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THE
DEAN OF LISMORE'S BOOK
EDINBURGH : PRINTED BY THOMAS CONSTABLE,
FOR
EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS.
LONDON .. . . . . HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO.
CAMBRIDGE. . . . . MACMILLAN AND CO.
DUBLIN; :. . . . . . W. ROBERTSON.
GLASGOW. . . . . . JAMES MACLEHOSE.
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THE
DEAN OF LISMORES BOOK
A SELECTION OF
ANCIENT GAELIC POETRY
FROM A MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION MADE BY SIR JAMES M‘GREGOR,
DEAN OF LISMORE, IN THE BEGINNING OF THE
SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
EDITED WITH A TRANSLATION AND NOTES
BY THE REV. THOMAS M‘'LAUCHLAN
AND
AN INTRODUCTION AND ADDITIONAL NOTES
BY WILLIAM F. SKENE Esq.
EDINBURGH
EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS
1862.
CONTENTS.
FACSIMILES—(I.) Gexratocy or M‘Grecor, sy Dovean tae Serviror.
(II.) Lines sy Countess or ArGyLe, ; . frontispiece
INTRODUCTION, BY WILLIAM F. SKENE, Esq., . ‘ PAGE i
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE’S MS., . xci
FACSIMILES—(1.) Aurocrars or Dean M‘Grecor.
(II.) Parr or Ossran’s Ope To Finn, . : . xcvi
ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF POEMS SELECTED FROM IT,
WITH NOTES, BY THE REV. THOS. M‘LAUCHLAN, 1-161
ORIGINAL TEXT, WITH TRANSLATION INTO MODERN
SCOTCH GAELIC, BY THE REV. THOS. MLAUCHLAN, . 2,3
NOTE BY TRANSLATOR, : ; oo a9
ADDITIONAL NOTES, BY WILLIAM F. SKENE, Ese, . ++ 137
INDEX, . Deri fers ae
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INTRODUCTION.
In the heart of the Perthshire Highlands, and not far
from the northern shore of Loch Tay, there lies a secluded
vale of about six miles long. The river Lyon, which
issues from the long and narrow valley of Glenlyon
through the pass of Chesthill, hardly less beautiful than
the celebrated pass of Kilichranky, meanders through it.
On the east bank of a small stream which falls into the
Lyon about the centre of the vale, is the Clachan or
Kirkton of Fortingall, anciently called Fothergill, from
which it takes its name; and on the west or opposite
bank is the mansion of Glenlyon House, anciently called
Tullichmullin. | |
A stranger stationed at the clachan or little village of
Fortingall, would almost fancy that there was neither
egress from nor ingress to this little district, so secluded
and shut in among the surrounding mountains does it
* appear to be. It is a spot where one could well suppose
that the traditions of former times, and the remains of a
forgotten oral literature, might still linger in the memo-
ries of its inhabitants ; while the local names of the
b
ll INTRODUCTION.
mountains and streams about it are redolent of the mythic
times of the Feine. On the west is the glen of Glenlyon,
the ancient Cromgleann nan Clach or Crooked Glen of the
Stones, associated with many a tradition of the Feine,
and where the remains of those rude forts, termed
Caistealan na Feine, crown many a rocky summit ; and
the vale is bounded on the south and east by the mdge
of Druimfhionn or Finn’s Ridge.
In the latter part of the fifteenth and beginning of the
sixteenth centuries, there dwelt here a family of the name
of Macgregor. They were descended from a vicar of
Fortingall, who, at the time when, during the century
preceding the Reformation, the Catholic Church was
breaking up, and their benefices passing into the hands of
laymen, secured for himself and his descendants the
vicarage of Fortingall and a lease of the church lands.
Of the history of this family we know somewhat from
an obituary commenced by one of his descendants, and
continued to the year 1579 by the Curate of Fothergill,
which is still preserved.
His son, whether legitimate or illegitimate we know
not, was Ian Rewych, or John the Grizzled, termed
Makgewykar or son of the Vicar.'
His grandson was Dougall Maol, or Dougall the Bald
or Tonsured, called patronymically Dougall Johnson, or
the son of John.
This Dougall Johnson appears in 1511 as a notary-
1 Obitus Katherine neyn Ayn Weyll Gewykar apud Aychly in Mense Decem-
Sponsse Johannis M‘Ayn Rawych Mac- bris anno Domini M ve xlij.—Chron. Fort.
INTRODUCTION. lll
public,’ and dwelt at Tullichmullin, where his wife
Katherine, daughter of Donald M‘Clawe, alias Grant,
died in 1512." He is twice mentioned in the obituary
or Chronicle of Fortingall; in 1526, as repairing the cross
in Inchadin, or the old church of Kenmore, situated on
the north bank of the river Tay, nearly opposite Tay-
mouth Castle ; and in 1529, as placing a stone cross in
Larkmonemerkyth, the name of a pass among the hills
which leads from Inchadin to the south.’
Of Dougall the Bald, the son of John the Grizaled, we
have no further mention ; but of his family we know of
two sons, James and Duncan. |
James was a Churchman. He appears as a notary-
public, an office then held by ecclesiastics, along with his
father, in the year 1511, and he early attamed to honour
and influence, through what channel is unknown; for,
in 1514, we find him Dean of Lismore,t an island in
Argyllshire, lying between the districts of Lorn and Mor-
vern, which was at that time the Episcopal seat of the
Bishops of Argyll. He was, besides, Vicar of Fortingall
and Firmarius or tenant of the church lands ; and died
possessed of these benefices in the year 1551, and
1 Charter Robert Menzies of that ilk
to Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchy,
dated at the Isle of Loch Tay, 18th
September 1511. Inter test. Dugallo
Johneson Notario et domino Jacobo
M‘Gregour notario-publico.—Reg. Mag.
Sig. xvii. 69.
2 Obitus Catherine neyn Donyll
M‘Clawe alias Grant uxoris Dougalli
Johnson apud Tullychmollin xxij. die
Julij anno domini M°V°xj.
Memorandum solium crucis in Inch-
adin compositum fuit per Dougallum
Johnson. Anno domini M°V*xxvj°.
Crux lapidea fuit posita in Lark-
monemerkyth in magno lapide qui alio
nomine vocatur clachur . . . per
Dougallum Johnson primo Octobris anno
domini, etc., V°xxix.—Chron. Fort.
* Origines Parochiales, vol. ii. pt. i.
p. 161.
iv INTRODUCTION.
was buried in the choir of the old church of Inch-
adin.! | |
In 1552, a year after his death, Gregor Macgregor, son
of the deceased Sir James Macgregor, Dean of Lismore,
as became the head of a small but independent sept of
the Macgregors, and with a due regard to its safety,
bound himself to Colin Campbell of Glenurchy and his
heirs, “ taking him for his chief, in place of the Laird of
Macgregor, and giving him his calp.” ?
In 1557 Gregor and Dougall Macgregors, natural sons
of Sir James Macgregor, receive letters of legitimation ;°
and, in 1574, Dougall Macgregor appears as Chancellor of
Lismore.‘
It is unnecessary for our purpose to follow the history
of this family any further ; suffice it to say, that the two
brothers, James and Duncan,® members of a clan which,
though under the ban of the Government, and exposed
to the grasping aggression of their powerful neighbours,
the Campbells of Glenurchy, considered themselves as
peculiarly Highland, and had high pretensions, as
descended from the old Celtic monarchs of Scotland—
connected with the Church, and as such, possessing some
1 Obitus honorabilis viri ac egregii
Viri Domini Jacobi (M‘Gregor) filii
Dougalli Johnson ac decani Lesmorensis
Vicarii de Fortyrgill et Firmarii dicte
ecclesie . bone memorie in nocte
Sancte Lucie virginis hora . . post
meridiem et sepultus in die Lucie vide-
licet Anno Domini M V‘]j°.
in choro de Inchadin.—Chron. Fort.
2 Black Book of Taymouth, p. 196.
8 Precept of Legitimation in favour of
Gregor and Dougal MacGregors, natural
sons of Sir James MacGregor.— Privy
Seal, xxix. 46.
4 Charter by Dougall Macgregor,
Chancellor of Lismoir, with consent of
Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurchy, of the
lands of Auchnacroftie, dated at Balloch,
25th December 1574.
5 Duncan mcCowle voil vic Eoyne
Reawych.—ms., p. 223,
INTRODUCTION. Vv
cultivation of mind and such literary taste as Churchmen
at that time had, yet born and reared in the farm-house of
Tullichmullin, in the secluded vale of Fortingall, and im-—
bued with that love of old Highland story and cherished
fondness for Highland song, which manifests itself in so
many a quiet country Highlander, and which the scenery
and associations around them were so well calculated to
foster—the one, from his high position in the Church of
Argyll, having peculiar facilities for collecting the poetry
current in the West Highlands—the other, though his
brother, yet, as was not uncommon in those days, his
servitor or amanuensis, and himself a poet—and both
natives of the Perthshire Highlands—collected and tran-
scribed into a commonplace book Gaelic poetry obtained
from all quarters.
This collection has fortunately been preserved. It is,
unquestionably, a native compilation made in the central
Highlands, upwards of three hundred yearsago. It con-
tains the remains of an otherwise lost literature. In it
we find all that we can now recover of native composi-
tions current in the Highlands prior to the sixteenth
century, as well as the means of ascertaining the extent
to which the Highlanders were familiar with the works
of Irish poets.
It is a quarto volume of some 311 pages, and is writ-
ten in the current Roman hand of the period. Though
much injured by time, the leaves in part worn away, and
the ink faint, it is still possible to read the greater part
of its contents.
al INTRODUCTION.
With the exception of a short Latin obituary, and one
or two other short pieces, it consists entirely of a collec-
tion of Gaelic poetry made by the two brothers. —
At the bottom of the 27th page appears the following
note in Latin:—Liber Dni Jacobi Macgregor Decani
Lismoren.
At page 78, there is a chronological list of Scottish
kings written in the Scottish language, which ends thus:—
“ James the Fyfte reignis now in great felicitie.” He
reioned from 1513 to 1542; and, on page 144, there is a
genealogy of the Macegregors, written by the brother
Duncan, deducing their descent from the old Scottish
kings, and he adds a docquet in Gaelic, which may be
thustranslated :—Duncan the Servitor, the son of Dougall,
who was son of John the Grizzled, wrote this from the
Book of the History of the Kings, and it was done in the
year 1512.1
There can be no question, therefore, that this collection
was formed during the lifetime of the Dean of Lismore,
and a great part of it as early as the year 1512. How it
was preserved through that and the succeeding century
is unknown. In the last century it passed into the posses-
sion of the Highland Society of London, by whom it was
transferred to the custody of the Highland Society of Scot-
land, when a committee of that Society was engaged in an
inquiry into the authenticity of the Poems of Ossian, pub-
lished by Macpherson. It has now been deposited, along
t Agis Duncha Deyr oclych mcDowle —zenyt Anno Domini 1512.—Ms., p. 144.
vec oyne Reywich di Skreyve so a Deyroclych is Daoroglach, and is the
Joywrow Shenchych nyn reig agis ros Gaelic rendering of Servitor.
INTRODUCTION. vil
with other Gaelic ss. in the possession of that Society, in
the Library of the Faculty of Advocates, and forms part
of that collection of Gaelic mss. which have been brought
together within the last few years, and contain nearly all
the Gaelic mss. which are known still to exist.!
The Dean’s ms. differs from all the other mss. in that
collection in two essential particulars. It is not, like the
other Mss. written in what is called the Irish character,
but in the current Roman character of the early part of
the sixteenth century; and the language is not written
in the orthography used in writing Irish, and now uni-
versally employed in writing Scotch Gaelic, but in a
peculiar kind of phonetic orthography, which aims at
presenting the words in English orthography as they
are pronounced,
The peculiar orthography employed is, however, evi-
dently not the mere attempt of a person ignorant of the
1 This collection has been formed
within the last few years mainly through
the instrumentality of the writer. When
he commenced, the Faculty of Advocates
possessed four Gaelic Mss. The collec-
tion now consists of sixty-five.
The writer formed the plan of collect-
ing the remains of the ms. Gaelic litera-
ture of Scotland, which was rapidly dis-
appearing, into one place, where they
could be preserved, by inducing the pos-
sessors of Gaelic Mss. to deposit them
in some public library for preservation;
and as the Faculty of Advocates were
already in the possession of some MSS.,
their library was evidently the most ap-
propriate depository for this purpose.
The valuable mss. belonging to the
Highland Society of Scotland formed
the basis of the collection ; the directors,-
and their secretary, John Hall Maxwell,
Esq., C.B., having at once responded to
the call, and the fortunate discovery of
the Kilbride collection, which its pos-
sessor likewise agreed to deposit, added
a large number. The remainder con-
sists of mss. deposited by individual
possessors, and the collection now em-
braces nearly all the Mss. known or be-
lieved still to exist.
It is hoped that, if any Gaelic Mss.
still remain in the hands of individual
possessors, they will add to the value of
this collection by making them known,
and depositing them in the Advocates’
Library for preservation.
The mss. are preserved in a locked
cabinet, and a general catalogue of the
whole has been prepared by the writer.
Vili INTRODUCTION.
proper orthography to write the words in English letters
in an arbitrary manner, so as to present, as nearly as pos-
sible, the sound of the words as they struck his ear when
repeated to him, but bears evident marks of having been
a regular and known system of orthography, which,
although we have few specimens of it left, may not the
less have once prevailed in that part of the Highlands |
more removed from the influence of Irish teaching.
It isa peculiarity of all the Celtic dialects, that the
consonants suffer a change in the beginning of words,
from the influence of the preceding words, or in forming
the oblique cases, and likewise change their sound in the
middle of words by being aspirated.
~ In the Inish orthography, the original consonant is in-
variably preserved ; and the change is indicated by pre-
fixing another consonant when the sound is affected by
eclipsis, or the influence of the preceding word, or by
adding the letter 4, when it is changed by aspiration.
In the Welsh dialects, however, and in the Manx, which
is a dialect of the Gaelic division of the Celtic languages,
a different system of orthography has always prevailed.
Instead of retaining the original letter, and indicating
the change in the sound by prefixing or adding another,
a different letter expressing simply the new sound, is
substituted for the original letter ; and hence the ortho-
graphy bears more of a phonetic and less of an etymo-
logic character.
Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
In the one, the original form of the word is preserved,
INTRODUCTION. ix
and the primary sounds of the letters are retained. The
alteration in their sound in inflection is marked by pre-
fixing another letter, or adding the letter h. It is by
the application of grammatical rules that the pronuncia-
tion of the word is ascertained, and that pronunciation
may deviate from time to time to a greater degree from
the original standard, while the orthography, always re-
maining the same, fails to chronicle it.
In the other, a new letter is substituted for the original
letter, when the sound is changed by inflection, or by the
position of the word in a sentence, and the orthography
employed expresses the pronunciation of the word in its
inflected, without reference to its original form.
The one presents the language in its etymologic form,
without reference to its pronunciation, and is of value in
preserving the original form of the written speech.
The other stereotypes its sounds as spoken at the time;
it is committed to writing without reference to the ori-
ginal form or primary shape of the words; and is of value
in exhibiting the living dialects as spoken by the people.
An apt illustration of this is afforded by the English
language and its dialects.
The English orthography exhibits the language as it
once was, but from which it has greatly deviated in pro-
nunciation ; and it is hardly possible to frame rules by
applying which, to the orthography, ‘the present pro-
nunciation can be deduced. It is obvious that if the
words, which are differently pronounced in the Scotch
dialect, were spelt according to the English orthography,
x INTRODUCTION.
no clue would be afforded to its peculiarities. On the
other hand, when the Scotch dialect is spelt phonetically,
as is done, for instance, by Sir Walter Scott in his Scotch
romances, the peculiarities in the pronunciation of a living
dialect are vividly presented, and these elements of the
original language, which may have been preserved in this
dialect, are made available for philological purposes.
The collection of Gaelic poetry made by the Dean of
Lismore and his brother is thus written in an ortho-
eraphy of this latter class. It attracted some notice
when the Highland Society was engaged in its inquiry
into the authenticity of Ossian’s Poems, from its includ-
ing among its contents some poems attributed to Ossian.
Three of these are printed in the report, though incor-
rectly and imperfectly, but little was known of the other
contents of the Ms. 7
A transcript was made of the ms. for the Highland
Society by the late Mr. Ewen M‘Lachlan, an accom-
plished Gaelic scholar, who was employed to examine
their ms. It, however, passed into the possession of the
Rev. J. Macintyre of Kilmanievaig, who allowed it to be
examined for a short time hy the editors, but no full or
correct account was given of the ms. till the Rev. T.
M‘Lauchlan, one of the editors of this work, read an
account of it to the Society of Scottish Antiquaries
in the year 1856, which is printed in their proceed-
ings. This account attracted considerable notice to
the ms., and led to its value being more appreciated.
1 Vol. ii. pt. i. p. 35.
INTRODUCTION. ei:
The present publication has, in consequence, been under-
taken.
The Dean’s ms. has a double value, philological and
literary, and is calculated to throw light both on the lan-
guage and the literature of the Highlands of Scotland. It
has a philological value, because its peculiar orthography
presents the language at the time in its aspect and cha-
racter as a spoken language, and enables us to ascertain
whether many of the peculiarities which now distinguish
it were in existence three hundred years ago ; and it has
a literary value, because it contains poems attributed to
Ossian, and to other poets prior to the sixteenth century,
which are not to be found elsewhere ; and thus presents
to us specimens of the traditionary poetry current in the
Highlands prior to that period, which are above suspi-
cion, having been collected upwards of three hundred
years ago, and before any controversy on the subject
had arisen.
It has been found impossible to present so large a col-
lection entire, but the selection has been made with
reference to these tivo objects. Each poem selected for
publication has been presented entire. There is a literal
translation of the poem made by the Rev. T. M‘Lauchlan,
and appended is the original Gaelic text of the poem in
the Dean’s orthography, exactly as it appears in the
Ms.; and, on the opposite page, the same Gaelic has been
transferred by Mr. M‘Lauchlan into the modern ortho-
graphy of the Scotch Gaelic, which is nearly the same as
that of the Irish, so as to afford the means of comparing
Xi INTRODUCTION.
the one orthography with the other, and the modern
spoken dialect in the Highlands with the language of
the poems collected by the Dean upwards of three hun-
dred years ago, as well as to furnish atest of the accuracy
of the translation, by showing the rendering given to the
Dean’s language.! |
The present spoken language of the Highlands of Scot-
land is, as is well known, a dialect? of that great branch
of the Celtic languages termed the Gwyddelian or Gaelic,
and to which belong also the Irish and Manx, or spoken
language of the Isle of Man. These three dialects of the
Gaelic branch of the Celtic languages, the Irish, the Scotch
Gaelic, and the Manx, approach each other so nearly, as
to form in fact but one language; and the peculiarities
which distinguish them from one another are not of a
nature sufficiently broad or vital to constitute either of
them a distinct language.
The language spoken by the Highlanders of Scotland
is termed by them simply Gaelic ; but the name of Erse
1 It is hardly possible to convey to the
reader an adequate conception of the
labour of the task undertaken by Mr.
M‘Lauchlan, or of the courage, perse-
verance, and ability with which it has
been overcome. Mr. M‘Lauchlan had
first to read the Dean’s transcript—no
ordinary task, when, to a strange ortho-
graphy, affording no clue to the original
word, was added a careless handwriting
of the beginning of the sixteenth cen-
tury, faded ink, and decayed paper. He
had then to convert it into the corre-
. sponding Gaelic inits modern shape and
orthography, and then to translate it
into English, in which he had to com-
bine the literal rendering of an idiomatic
language with an intelligible exhibition
of its meaping in English.
It may be as well to take this oppor-
tunity of stating, that Mr. M‘Lauchlan
is solely responsible for the selection
made from the Dean’s Ms., the render-
ing in modern Gaelic, the English trans-
lation, and the notes at the foot of the
page. The writer of this is responsible
only for the Introduction and the addi-
tional notes, to which his name is at-
tached.
2T use the word dialect throughout, in
the restricted sense of the German word
mundart, for want of a better English
word to express it.
INTRODUCTION. Xill
has occasionally been bestowed upon it during the last
few centuries by the Lowlanders.’ As early as the year
1690 a short vocabulary of Scotch Gaelic words was ap-
pended to an edition of Bedel’s Irish Bible, to adapt it
to the use of the Scotch Highlanders; and a somewhat
fuller vocabulary, by the same author, was published in
Nicolson’s Scottish Historical Library in 1702.
In 1741, a more complete vocabulary was published by
the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, for the
use of their schools in the Highlands. It was compiled
by Mr. Alexander M‘Donald, schoolmaster at Ardna-
murchan. Another vocabulary was published in 1795 by
Robert M‘Farlane; and, in 1815, a further step in advance
was made by the larger vocabulary of Mr. P. M‘Farlane. —
In 1825, a large quarto dictionary of the Scotch Gaelic
was published by R. A. Armstrong; and in three years
afterwards the splendid dictionary compiled by the first
Gaelic scholars, under the auspices of the Highland Society
of Scotland, appeared. In this dictionary Gaelic words
from all quarters are inserted ; but those which belong
to the vernacular dialect of the Scotch Highlands are care-
fully distinguished.
The small dictionary compiled by M‘Alpine, a school-
master in Islay, affords a genuine representation of the
Gaelic spoken in that island.
1 This term is unknown tothe High- _ plied by the English to the Scotch in the
landers, who call themselves Albanaich ; twelfth century. Lambarde records that,
and was a term of reproach applied to at the battle of the Standard, when the
them by the Lowlanders, from their lan- Scots shouted Albany, Albany / the Eng-
guage being the same as the Irish, Itis lish soldiers retorted with Yry, Yry/
curious that the same reproach was ap- ‘¢a term of great reproach at that time.”
X1V INTRODUCTION.
The only grammar of the Scotch Gaelic which it is
necessary to notice, is the able and philosophic grammar
by Alexander Stewart, Minister of the Gospel at Ding-
wall, the first edition of which was published in 1801, and
the second in 1812. As afirst attempt to reduce the spoken
language of the Scotch Highlanders to a grammatical sys-
tem, it is a work of rare excellence and fidelity, and all
other grammars have been more or less taken from it.
This grammar, then, and the vocabularies and diction-
aries above referred to, contain the Gaelic language as
spoken, at the time of their compilation, in the Highlands
of Scotland, and afford the materials for judging of the
character of those peculiarities which distinguish it from
the Irish and Manx Gaelic.!
The differences between the spoken language of the
Scottish Highlands and the Irish exist partly in the pro-
nunciation, where the accentuation of the language is
different, where that peculiar change in the initial conso-
nant, produced by the influence of the previous word, and
termed by the Irish grammarians eclipsis, is unknown ex-
cept in the sibilant, where the vowel sounds are different,
1 T reject from this list the grammar
and dictionary by the Rev. Wm. Shaw,
published in 1778 and 1780, because, so
far as they purport to be a grammar and
dictionary of the Scotch Gaelic dialect,
they are a deception, and not trust-
worthy.
Shaw was a native of Arran, where a
corrupt and Irishised Gaelic is spoken ;
and it is well known that he failed in
his attempt to compile his dictionary
from the spoken language in the High-
lands, where he made a tour for the pur-
pose, and resorted to Ireland, where
he manufactured his works from Irish
sources and authorities, adapting the
Irish grammar to-a very imperfect know-
ledge of the language.
The subscribers complained of the de-
ception, and refused to take the work,
till compelled by a process at law. The
evidence taken in this process is very
instructive as to the position of Shaw’s
grammar and dictionary, so far as their
Irish element is concerned, towards the
Scotch Gaelic dialect at that period.
INTRODUCTION. XV
and there are even traces of a consonantal permutation ;
partly in the grammar, where the Scotch Gaelic prefers
the analytic form of the verb, and has no present tense,
the old present being now used for the future, and the
present formed by the auxiliary verb, where the plural of
one class of the nouns is formed in a peculiar manner,
resembling the Anglo-Saxon, and a different negative is
used ; partly in the idioms of the language, where a
greater preference is shown to express the idea by the
use of substantives, and the verb is anxiously avoided;
and in the vocabulary, which varies to a considerable ex-
tent, where words now obsolete in Irish are still living
words, and others are used in a different sense,!
The Scotch Gaelic is spoken in its greatest purity in
the central districts of the Highlands, including Mull,
Morvern, Ardnamurchan, Ardgowar, Appin, Lochaber,
and that district termed the Garbh chriochan, or rough
bounds, consisting of Arisaig, Moydart, Moror, and Knoy-
dart. The language here spoken is characterized by a
closer adherence to grammatical rules, by a fuller and
more careful pronunciation of the vowel sounds, by a
selection of the best words to express the idea, and ged
their use in their primary sense.
In the county of Argyll, and the islands which face
the coast of Ireland, the language approaches much more
nearly to the Ulster dialect of the Irish, there being pro-
bably no perceptible difference between the form of the
1 A more detailed statement of the Gaelic will be found in the. additional
differences between Scotch and _ Irish Notes.
XV1 INTRODUCTION.
language in Isla and Rachrin, or in Cantyre and the
opposite coast of Antrim.
In the Gaelic of Sutherland and Caithness, again, there
are marked differences of a different and opposite cha-
racter, a native of Sutherland and the southern districts
of Argyll having some difficulty in understanding each
other; and in Perthshire, on the other hand, the influ- |
ence of the English language is apparent, the pronuncia-—
tion is more careless, the words selected less pure, and
the secondary senses of many are only used.
The central districts afford the best type of that variety
of Gaelic which forms the spoken language of the High-
lands of Scotland.
Of this language two views may be taken. The pecu-
liarities of the language may have sprung up quite re-
cently, and the language may, at no very distant period,
have been absolutely identical in form and sound with
the Irish, from which it may have become corrupted by
the absence of cultivation, and must be regarded merely
as the rude patovs of a people whose ignorance of the cul-
tivated language has led to their adoption of peculiarities
sanctioned by no grammatical rule; or, on the other hand, /
these peculiarities may partake rather of the character of
dialectic differences, and enter more deeply into the organ-
ization of the language, and thus may have characterized
it from that remoter period, when geographical separation
and political isolation may have led to the formation, in
the Highlands of Scotland, of a dialectic variety of the
common language.
INTRODUCTION. Xvll
The first is the view taken by Irish grammarians,
and if correct, these differences cannot be considered as
of any philological importance. The question has not,
however, been treated by them in a candid spirit, or
with any grasp of the subject ; and their opinion must
be based upon a more accurate knowledge of the spoken
dialect which is the.subject of it, and upon a sounder and
more impartial examination of those philologic elements
which ought to enter into its consideration, before it can
be accepted as conclusive. If the second view is the
correct one, then it is obvious that the Scotch Gaelic is
well deserving of study, as a distinct variety of the Gaelic
language which was common to Scotland and Ireland ;
and everything that tends to throw light upon it, and
upon the existence ‘and origin of these differences, ac-
quires a philologic value. 2
In the study of language, the spoken dialects are of
great value. It is from the study of the living dialects,
which are not merely corruptions of the spoken language,
but present dialectic peculiarities, that we arrive at a full
perception of the character and tendencies of the mother
tongue. |
It is the destiny of all languages, that they no sooner
enter upon the domain of history than they begin to
alter, decompose, and split into dialects. The forma-
tion of the mother tongue belongs to the prehis-
toric period ; and it is a process which, carried on in
the infancy and growth of the social state, is concealed
from observation. When its possessors first emerge into
C
XVill INTRODUCTION.
view, and take their place among the history of nations,
counter influences have already been at work, their lan-
guage has already entered upon its downward course,
and we can only watch it in its process of decomposition
and alteration, and reach its primitive condition, through
the medium of its dialects. |
There are two opposing influences by which all lan-
guages are affected—the etymologic and the phonetic.
The etymologic principle is all-powerful in the formation
and original structure of the language, producing com-
binations of sounds demanded by the laws of its compo-
sition, but irrespective altogether of the requirements of
harmony, or the tendencies of the human organs of sound.
It contains in it, however, the seeds of its own destruc-_
tion, and has no sooner completed its work of formation
than a process of modification and decomposition com-
mences, caused by the respective idiosyncrasies of its
speakers, their craving after harmony of combination and
ease of utterance, and the influence of physical situation
and surrounding agents upon the organs of speech.
_ These phonetic causes enter at once into conflict with
the strictly etymologic formations of the language, mould-
ing its sounds, decomposing its structure, and interchang-
ing the organs producing the sounds ; and these effects
are perpetuated by circumstances causing the separation
or isolation of the people who have adopted them, while
new words and combinations are added to their vocabu-
lary by new wants arising in their separate state, by their
advance in social condition, or by the peculiarities of their
INTRODUCTION. X1x
new condition. Thus innumerable dialects spring up.
Whenever a difference of situation takes place among the
people composing the aggregate by whom the original
language was spoken, a diversity of dialect is at once
created. In these dialects are preserved the bones of the
mother tongue ; and it is only by a comparison of these
that her full character can be ascertained.
This tendency of the mother tongue, to break up into
as many dialects as there are shades of difference in the
position and tendencies of its speakers, is only arrested
by the formation of a cultivated dialect, created when
the wants of an educated or cultivated class in the com-
munity demand a common medium of interchanging their
ideas. This cultivated language is usually first formed by
poetry, completed by writing, and adopted by education.
Its first stage is that of the language in which the songs
and poems, the first literature of a rude people, are re-
cited by its bards, its earliest literary class; and, by the
introduction of the art of writing, it passes over into
the written speech. It then becomes a common dialect,
spoken and written by the cultivated class of the com-
munity, and to a knowledge of which a portion of the
people are raised by education.
This cultivated or written language may have been
originally one of the numerous dialects spoken by the
people composing the community, and which circum-
stances have elevated into that position ; or it may have
been introduced from another country speaking a sister
dialect, which has preceded it in cultivation ; or it may,
XX INTRODUCTION.
like the German, have been developed from an unspoken
variety of the language created by other causes and for
other purposes. In the one case, the language first cul-
tivated hy poetry passes over into the written language.
In the other, it remains an indigenous, cultivated, spoken
language, which is antagonistic to, and contends with,
the imported written speech till the influence of the latter
prevails, and it is either extinguished by it, or remains
as popular poetry in the vernacular tongue, while every-
thing prose is absorbed.
But however it originates, the spoken dialects still re-
main as the vernacular speech of portions of the com-
munity. They are not the children or creatures of the
written speech, still less corruptions of it, but are equally
ancient, and retain much of the elements of the original
language which the written speech has rejected.
The formation of a cultivated or written language is
always an eclectic process. It selects, it modifies, and it
rejects, while the living dialects retain many of the forms
and much of the structure modified and rejected by it. -
Hence, for the study of the character and formation of the
mother tongue, the living spoken dialects are of the first
importance ; and a restricted attention to the written
language, and the contemptuous rejection of everything
in the spoken dialects which vary from it, as barbarisms
and corruptions, is simply to part with much valuable ma-
terial for the study, and to narrow the range of inquiry.!
1 Professor Max Miiller has the follow- tures on the Science of Language, p. 49.
ing excellent remarks in his recent lec- “The real and natural life of language is
INTRODUCTION. XXl
Perhaps the English language affords an illustration of
these remarks. As a written and cultivated language, it
took its rise in England, but was introduced i Eng-
land into Scotland.
In England, the provincial dialects have remained as
the spoken language of the uncultivated class in the re-
spective provinces side by side with it; but their anti-
quity and their value for philological purposes is fully
acknowledged. No one dreams of viewing them as
merely corruptions of the written language, arising from
rudeness and ignorance.
In Scotland, the English language has been introduced
as the written or cultivated language, but a different form
in its dialects; and in spite of the | Formenim Gegensatze zu der mehr oder
tyranny exercised by the classical or
literary idioms, the day is still very far
off which is to see the dialects entirely
eradicated.
*¢ Tt is a mistake to imagine that dia-
lects are everywhere corruptions of the
literary language. . Dialects have
always been the feeders rather than the
’ channels of a literary language ; any-
how, they are parallel streams which
existed long before one of them was
raised to that temporary eminence which
is the result of literary cultivation.”
The whole of the lecture in which this
passage occurs is well worthy of perusal,
in regard to the proper view and posi-
tion of the spoken dialects in the study
of language.
Schleicher takes the same view in his
masterly work, “‘ Die Deutsche Sprache.”
He says, in relation to the German lan-
guage, what is equally true of the Gaelic:
“¢ Die mundarten sind die natiirlichen
nach den Gesetzen der Sprachgeschicht-
lichen Verinderungen gewordenen
minder gemachten and schulmeisterisch
geregelten and zugestutzten Sprache der
Schrift. Schon hieraus folgt der hohe
Werth derselben fiir diewissenschaftliche
Erforschung unserer Sprache; hier ist
eine reiche Fiillevon W orten und Formen,
die, an sich gut und echt, von der
Schriftsprache verschmaht wurden ; hier
finden wir manches, was wir zur Erklir-
ung der idlteren Sprachdenkmale, ja
“ gur Erkenntniss der jetzigen Schrift-
sprache verwerthen kénnen, abgesehen
von dem Sprachgeschichtlichen, dem
lautphysiologischen Interesse, welches
die iiberaus reiche Mannigfaltigkeit
unserer Mundarten bietet.
‘¢ Wer einer Mundart kundig ist, der
hat beim Studium des altdeutschen ein-
en grossen Vorsprung vor demjenigen
voraus der nur in der Schriftsprache
heimisch ist.
‘¢ Nichts ist thirichter, nichts verrith
mehr den Mangel wahrer Bildung als
das Verrachten unserer Mundarten.”—
P. 110.
XxX INTRODUCTION.
of the language, the Broad Scotch, is the vernacular
speech of the people, and preceded the English language
as the written language of the country in which its
earliest literature was contained. Its great value, as an
early form of the original Anglic tongue which formed the
language of the country, is so fully acknowledged, that
Jamieson’s Dictionary of the Scotch language has been
called the best dictionary of the English language. It
has ceased to be a vehicle for prose composition ; but
there exists a ballad literature in the Scotch dialect which
has resisted the absorbing influence of the English.
So it was also in the Scotch Highlands, where the written
and cultivated language did not originate in this country,
but was brought over from Ireland in the sixth century,
though in this case the analogy is not so great, from the
various dialects of the Gaelic having probably at all
times approached each other much more nearly than the
provincial dialects of England and Scotland, and been
more greatly influenced by the written language.
In order to determine the philological position and
value of the Scotch Gaelic, it is necessary to form a more
accurate conception of the historical position of the people
who spoke it, and of the influences to which they have been
exposed, and by which the language was likely to be
affected. i
Two races seem to have entered, as original elements,
into the population of Ireland and of the Highlands of
Scotland. These were the race of the Scots and the
people termed by the early Irish authorities the race of
INTRODUCTION. XXIll
the Cruithne. The latter appear everywhere to have
preceded the former. ed
Prior to the sixth century, the Cruithne alone seem to
have formed the population of the Scotch Highlands.
In Ireland they formed the original population of Ulster
and the north part of Leinster. Connaught, the rest of
Leinster, and Munster, were Scottish. The east and
north of Ireland appear to have been most exposed
to external influences, and to have suffered the
greatest changes in their population. In the south and
west it was more permanent ; and from Connaught and
Leinster the royal races of the Scots emerged, while
their colonies proceeded from south and west to north
and east.
The traditionary history of Ireland records an early
settlement of the Scots among the Cruithne of Ulster,
termed from its mythic founder Dalriada, and likewise the
fall of the great seat of the Cruithnian kingdom, called
Emania, before an expedition, led by a scion of the Scot-
tish royal race, who established the kingdom of Orgialla
on its ruins. It is certain that, while we have reason to
believe that the Cruithne formed the original population
of the whole of Ulster, we find them in the historic period
confined to certain districts in Ulster only, although
their kings retained the title of kings of Ulster.
In the beginning of the sixth century, the Scots, who
are frequently recorded by the Roman writers as forming
part of the predatory bands who, from time to time, as-.
sailed the Roman province, and finally overthrew their
XXIV INTRODUCTION.
empire in Britain, passed over to the opposite coast of
Argyll, and effected a permanent settlement there, which,
from its mother tribe, was also called Dalriada. This
settlement is recorded, by the oldest authority, to have
taken place twenty years after the battle of Ocha, which
was fought in the year 483, and, therefore, in the year _
503. The territory occupied by this settlement of the
Scots was the south part of Argyllshire, consisting of the
districts of Cowall, Kintyre, Knapdale, Argyll-proper,
Lorn, and probably part of Morvern, with the islands of
Isla, Iona, Arran, and the small islands adjacent. The
boundary which separated them from the Cruithne was
on the east, the range of mountains termed Drumalban,
a@ mountain chain which still separates the county of
Argyll from that of Perth. On the north, the bound-
ary, which probably was not very distinct, and varied
from time to time, seems to have been coincident with a
line extending from the Island of Colonsay through the
Island of Mull to the centre of the district of Morvern,
through which it passed to the shores of the Luine Loch
opposite Appin." The rest of the Highlands was still
which separates the ancient parishes of
Killintach and Killcholumkill in Mor-
vern, and Killintach is said, in an old do-
cument, to be in Garwmorvaren, a district
1 In the Island of Colonsay there is a
cairn called Carn cul ri Erin. In
Bleau'’s Atlas, the map of the Island
of Mull marks, on the high moun-
tain which separates the north from the
south of the island, two cairns, called
Carn cul ri Erin and Carn cul ri Allabyn.
These seem to mark some ancient boun-
dary ; but as they are exactly in a line
with Iona,—which seems to have lain so
nearly onthe boundary as to be claimed
by both races, and also with the line
which extended as far north as Loch
Hourn, while Killcholumkill is said to be
in Kinelbadon, which belonged to the
ancient kingdom of Lorn,—there seems
much reason to conclude that this may
have been the line of the boundary be-
tween the Dalriad Scots from Erin and
the Cruithne of Alban.
INTRODUCTION. XXV
occupied by the Cruithne, who were Pagans, while the
Dalriadic Scots were Christians.
In the year 563, an event took place which was des-
tined to exercise a powerful influence bothon the condition
and the language of the population. This was the mission
of Saint Columba, a Scot from Ireland, to convert the
Cruithne to the Christian faith, and the consequent foun-
dation of the Monastery of Iona, which became the seat
of learning, and the source of all ecclesiastical authority,
both for the Cruithne and the Dalriadic Scots, from whence
innumerable Scottish clergy issued, who spread over the
country and founded churches among the Cruithne under
its influence and authority. |
The platform occupied by the two populations, em- —
bracing both Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland, in
the sixth century, thus showed in the south and west of
— Treland pure Scots ; in the north and east settlements of
Scots among the Cruithne, gradually confining the latter
to isolated districts; in Argyll, a Scottish settlement
among the Cruithne of Alban ; and in the rest of the High-
lands pure Cruithne ; but over both Scots and Cruithne
in Alban a Scottish clergy, who brought a cultivated and
literary language with them.
In Ireland the Gaelic spoken in the different provinces
varies, and probably has always varied from each other.
They differ in words, pronunciation, and idiom ; and in
grammatical construction and idiom there is a marked
difference between the Gaelic of the northern and of the
southern half of Ireland. The written language resem-
XXV1_ INTRODUCTION.
bles most the language of the south and west of
Ireland. It seems to have been formed from it, and to
have become the common language of the literary and
‘cultivated class, while the other dialects remained as the
spoken language of their respective populations.
This written language was brought over to Scotland
in the sixth century by Columba and his clergy, who
introduced it, with Christianity, among the Cruithne ;
where, however, the native dialect must have received
some cultivation, as we find that he was opposed by Magi,
which implies a literary. class among the Pagan Cruithne.
At this time there was so little political separation
between the two countries, that the Scots of British
Dalriada remained subject to the Irish Dalriada, from
which they emerged, till the year 573, when Aedan, son
of Gabran, became king of Scotch Dalriada, and, at the
great Council of Drumceat, it was declared independent
of Irish Dalriada, and he was crowned as its first inde-
pendent monarch. The Cruithne of Ireland, likewise,
formed part of that great Cruithnian kingdom, which had
its head-quarters in Scotland, till the reign of Fiacha
mac Baedan, King of Ulster, who ruled over the Irish ©
Cruithne from 589 to 626, and probably in the year 608,
when they threw off the yoke of the Cruithne of Scot-
land.? |
The Cruithne and the Scots of Ireland and of Scotland
then first became separated from, and independent of,
* There were thirty kings of the Cruithne of Alba and of the Cruithne of
Cruithne over Eri and Alba, viz., of the Eri, ¢.e., of Dalaraidhe. They were from
INTRODUCTION. XXVli
each other, and a complete political separation took place
between the two countries.
The Cruithne of Scotland remained under the influence
of the Scottish clergy till the beginning of the eighth cen-
tury, when their king, Nectan, adopted the usages of the
Romish party, and in 717 expelled the Scottish clergy
out of his dominions across the boundary of Drumalban,'
which separated them from the Scots of Dalriada, and a
new clergy was introduced into that part of the country,
occupied by the Cruithne, from the Anglic kingdom of
Northumberland. In 731, we learn from Bede, who then
closes his history, that the Scots of Dalriada were still
confined within the same limits ; and that no change had
up to that date taken place in the relative positions of
the two populations, the Cruithne and the Scots. After
this date we know little of the history of the population
of the Highlands till the middle of the ninth century,
when we find that a great change had, in the interval,
taken place in their political condition. The two popu-
lations had now become united in one kingdom, and a
family of undoubted Scottish race ruled over the united
people. a4
Of the events which brought about this great change,
authentic history tells us nothing—of the fact there can be
no doubt ; and the question arises of how the Gaelic lan-
guage originated in the undalriadic part of the Highlands.
Ollamhan to Fiachna mac Baedain, who A.D. 608. Bass Fiachrach chraich mic
fettered the hostages of Eri and Alba. Baedan la Cruithnechu.—(Tigh. An.)
Book of Lecan, as quoted in Irish *a.D. 717. Expulsio familie Ie trans
Nennius, 1xxii. dorsum Britannie a Nectano rege.
XXVIll INTRODUCTION.
Prior to this date, it was exclusively occupied by people
of the race of the Cruithne, first Pagan under native Magi,
then Christian, and for 150 years under clergy of Scot-
tish race, who were, however, driven out in the year 717.
Either then these Cruithne spoke a Gaelie dialect, or, if
they spoke a different language, we must suppose that
the language of Gaelic Dalriada had, subsequently to the
ninth century, spread, with the rule of a Scottish king,
over the whole of the Highlands not embraced in that
limited territory. We have no materials for determining
this question. The latter supposition has always been
assumed by the Irish historians, but without proof ; and
they have never attempted to account for the entire dis-
appearance of the previous language, and the expulsion
of the previous population of so extensive a district, so
mountainous and inaccessible in its character, and so
tenacious of the language of its early inhabitants in its
topography, which such a theory involves.
If the first supposition be the correct one, and the
Cruithne spoke a Gaelic dialect, we can easily understand
how, though originally different from the Gaelic dialect
of Dalriada, it may, by the influence of the written lan-
guage, and its vernacular use by their clergy for so long
a period, have become modified and assimilated to it ;
and if, as is probable, their dialect had been so far cul-
tivated, as the existence of popular poetry, the first
literature of a rude people, was calculated to effect, the
influence of the clergy would probably be antagonistic
to such literature, and be employed to suppress it ; and
INTRODUCTION. XX1X
the language in which it was conveyed might remain for
some time in opposition to the written language, as a
vernacular and popular form of the language, the type
and symbol of the anti-Christian party, till it was finally
amalgamated with, or assimilated to it as the party
itself was ultimately overcome.
But another event had taken place during this ob-
scure period, extending to little more than a century, and
in which the union of the two populations under a Scottish
royal race had been effected, which must have inter-
posed an obstacle to the spread of an influence from
Ireland into the nondalriadic portion of the Highlands,
and greatly counteracted that arising from a dominant |
royal family of Scottish descent. This was the destruc-
tion of Iona by the Scandinavian pirates, and their
subsequent occupation of the Western Isles and
western sea-board of Scotland. Towards the end of
the eighth century, these hordes of Vikings or
sea-robbers, issuing from Norway and Denmark, had
appeared in the western sea, ravaging and plunder-
ing the coasts and islands, and their course was
everywhere marked by the burning and sacking of the
monasteries and religious establishments. In 794, the
ravaging of the islands and the destruction of Iona by
these Gentiles, as they were termed, is recorded in the
Irish annals. In 802, the Monastery of lona was burnt
by them, and in 806 the community or family of Iona,
as it was termed, slain, to the number of sixty-eight. In
consequence of the insecurity of Iona, the abbot even-
XXX INTRODUCTION.
tually retired to Kells, another foundation of St. Columba,
and the reliques of St. Columba were subsequently taken
to Ireland, when Derry became the head of the Colum-
bian houses in Ireland, while a part of the reliques were
removed to Dunkeld, which represented the Columbian
clergy in Scotland. ‘The influence of Iona, as the nucleus.
and centre of Gaelic learning, and of its Scottish clergy
upon the population of the Highlands, thus ceased for ever.
The islands were, by degrees, occupied by these pirates,
till eventually the Norwegian Kingdom of Man and
the Isles was formed ; and after they had passed over
from Paganism to Christianity, and their power be-
came constituted, the bishopric of the Isles became
included in the Norwegian diocese of Man. During
this period, which lasted till the middle of the
twelfth century, while the Western Isles and the western
_ shores of the mainland were in the occupation of the
Norwegians, and a royal family of Scottish race was on
the throne of the united population, all that remained
intact of the Gaelic population of the Highlands was
mainly represented by the great province of Moray,
which contained the mainland part of the modern coun-
ties of Inverness and Ross, and whose chiefs or maormors
are found, during the whole of this period, maintaining
a struggle for local independence against the ruling
powers, whether Scottish or Saxon, till they were finally
suppressed in the year 1130 by the great battle in which
Angus, the Celtic Earl of Moray, was defeated and slain
by David the First.
INTRODUCTION. XXXl
The Norwegian Kingdom of Man and the Isles was
now approaching its fall, and a new power arose on the
ruins of that of the Maormors of Moray, which soon
became paramount in the Western Highlands, and
exercised a very different influence upon its language and
population. This was the dynasty of the Celtic kings
or Lords of the Isles, which took its rise under Somarled,
the founder of the race in the twelfth century, and
maintained a powerful sway in the West Highlands
till the Lord of the Isles was forfeited at the close of
the fifteenth century ; and, after several ineffectual
attempts to maintain their ground against the Govern-
ment, finally fell in the middle of the succeeding
century.
Whether the race of the Lords of the Isles was of
Irish descent or not, is a question which depends upon
the precise degree of credibility to be given to a Celtic
pedigree which reaches back to the beginning of the
fourth century; but certain it is, that the spirit and ten-
dency of the whole race was essentially Irish. The
history of Somarled, the founder of the family, who may,
from female connexion, have possessed a Norwegian
name, is quite incompatible with the idea of his repre-
senting a Norwegian house, or deriving his position by
inheritance from them. The names of his father Gilla-
bride, and his grandfather Gillaagamnan, are purely
Celtic. The interest of his family was antagonistic to
that of the Norwegians ; their efforts were to supplant
and drive them out, and to elevate a Gaelic kingdom
XXXll INTRODUCTION.
upon their ruins. In the foundation of this kingdom,
Irish aid and Irish interest entered largely, and the con-
nexion of the family with Ireland became always more and
more closely connected,—an influence and connexion
extending to the powerful Celtic families who rose under
their auspices and owned their sway.
Somarled, the founder of the race, first appears in his-
tory as regulus or petty king of Oirirgaidheal, or, as it is
given in the Irish form, Airergaidheal, and, in the Latin,
Argathelia, a name which had sprung up subsequently
to the ninth century, signifying the coast-lands of the
Gael, and embracing the entire west coast from Cowall
to Loch Broom.
To this district he must have had hereditary claims ;
and an ancient sennachy of the race thus details the steps
by which he recovered possession of it :--
Gillabride, the son of Gillaagamnan, the son and grandson of the
Toiseach of Argyll, and descendant of Colla, being amongst his kindred
in Ireland, the clan Colla, that is, the Macguires and Macmahons, held
a great meeting and assembly in Fermanagh, the country of Macguire,
regarding the affairs of Gillabride, how they might restore him to his
patrimony, from which he had been driven by the power of the Loch-
lans and Finngalls.. When Gillabride saw such a large body of men
assembled together, he besought them to embark in his cause,
and to assist the people of Alban, who were favourable to him
in an attempt to win back the possession of the country. The
people declared themselves willing to go, and four or five hundred put
themselves under his command. With this company Gillabride pro-
ceeded to Alban, and landing there, commenced a series of skirmishes
and sudden assaults, with the assistance of friends, for his name was
then very powerful. The Lochlans possessed the islands from Man to
ea SaaS
INTRODUCTION. XXXili
the Orkneys ; but the Gael retained possession of the woods and moun-
tains in the districts, extending from Dumbarton to Caithness, north of
the two oirirs,! and in Mar. Somarled, the son of Gillabride, was now
becoming manly and illustrious, and a band attached themselves to him,
who had possession of the hills and woods of Ardgowar and Morvaren.
Here he came upon a large army of Lochlans and Fingalls, and as-
sembled round him all the soldiers he could muster and the people
engaged in herding the flocks, and ranged them in order of battle. He
practised a great deception on his enemies, for he made the same com-
pany pass before them three times, so that it appeared to them as if
there were three companies, and then attacked them. The enemy were
broken by Somarled and fled, till they reached the north bank of the ©
river Shiell, and part escaped with their king to the Isles. Somarled
did not desist from his efforts till he had cleared the whole west side of
Alban from the Lochlans, except the islands of the Finnlochlans, called
Tnnsegall,
Having married the daughter of Olave the Red, the
Norwegian king of Man and the Isles, he succeeded in
1154 in obtaining one-half of the Western Isles for his
eldest son Dougall, the ancestor of the M‘Dougalls, Lords
of Lorn, in right of his mother. The portion of the
Isles thus added to the Gaelic kingdom of Oirirgaidheal
were those south of the point of Ardnamurchan, includ-
ing Mull, Isla, and Jura. Ten years afterwards, in 1164,
he showed still further his close relation with Ireland,
by placing the Monastery of Iona under the Abbacy of
Derry, and in the same year he was slain in Renfrew, in
an attempt which he made to subvert the Scottish throne
itself, with Irish assistance. His successors remained in
possession of this territory, consisting of Oirirgaidheal, or
1 The two oirirs were the Oirir a tuath district known as Oirir Gaedheal, or
and the Oirir a deas, which make up the _— Oirir Alban, and in Latin, Argathelia.
d
XXX1V INTRODUCTION.
the western districts, from Cowall to Loch Broom, and
the southern half of the Isles, till 1222, when Alexander
the Second took possession of Argathelia, and annexed
the north part of it to the earldom of Ross, and the
central portion to the district of Moray, leaving the dis-
tricts of Morvaren and Garwmorvaren, and parts of South.
Argyll, with the south half of the Isles, to the descend-
ants of Somarled. On the conquest of the Norwegian
kingdom of Man and the Isles by the King of Scotland
in 1266, Skye and Lewis were annexed to the earldom of
Ross, the rest of the Isles went to Somarled’s family, their
possessions were further increased by grants from Robert
Bruce, and in the end of the fourteenth century they
inherited the possessions of the earldom of Ross, by which
they regained possession of the Oirir a tuath. A petty
kingdom was thus formed, consisting of Argathelia, or
the western districts, from Cowall to Loch Broom and
the Western Isles, nominally subordinate to the Scottish
throne, but in reality all powerful among the population
of the Highlands ; the clans of the centre and north High-
lands, which had once looked up to the almost equally
powerful Maormors of Moray, alone representing a differ-
ent interest.
The marriage of the Lord of the Isles, the head of this
race, with a daughter of the great Irish house of O’Cathan,
princes of an extensive territory in the north of Ireland,
towards the close of the thirteenth century, still further
cemented the connexion with Ireland. Tradition re-
cords that twenty-four families followed this lady from
INTRODUCTION. XXXV
Ulster to the Scottish Highlands, and founded as many
houses there, and, in the subsequent century, a scion of
the House of the Isles acquired land in the north of Ire-
land, and founded the Antrim family. In all the Irish
wars this race took generally a part, and, in their
own wars at home, were rarely without assistance from
Ireland.
The struggle between this great Celtic family and the
Crown assumed an aspect at length which could only
terminate in the ruin of the former or the humiliation of
the latter, and at length resulted in the forfeiture of the
Lord of the Isles in 1478, and his subsequent submission,
when he resigned his hereditary Celtic title, and received —
in exchange the feudal dignity of Lord of the Isles; a
humiliation which gave deep offence to his subjects, and
was not acquiesced in by them, and produced such in-
ternal dissensions, that the Crown took advantage of them
to enforce the final forfeiture of the Lordship of the Isles
in the year 1493. A series of insurrections followed in
favour of the descendants of the forfeited Lord, which
finally terminated in the utter extinction of the kingdom
of the Isles in the year 1545.
During this period, which extends to nearly four cen-
turies, there was not only a close political connexion
between the Western Highlands and Islands and Ireland,
but the literary influence was equally close and strong ;
the Irish sennachies and bards were heads of a school
which included the West Highlands, and the Highland
sennachies were either of Irish descent, or, if of native
XXXVI INTRODUCTION.
origin, resorted to bardic schools in Ireland for instruc-
tion in the language and the accomplishments of their
art. |
The annals of the four masters record the following
Irish sennachies as being recognised masters in the High-
lands :— |
In 1185 died Maclosa O’Daly, ollav, or chief sage or
poet of Erin and Alban ; a man illustrious for his poetry,
hospitality, and nobility.
In 1328 died the blind O'Carril, chief minstrel of
Erin and Alban in his time. |
In 1448 died Tadg og, son of Tadg, son of Giolla-
— coluim O’Higgin, chief preceptor of the poets of Erin
and Alban.
In 1554 died Tadg, son of Aodh O’Coffey, chief
teacher of poetry in Erin and Alban.
The oldest of the Gaelic mss., preserved in the Library
of the Faculty of Advocates, belong to this period. They
are all written in the Irish character ; the language is the
written language of Ireland ; and they contain numerous
specimens of the poetry of these Irish masters, especially
of Tadg og and the O’Dalys.
The Betons, or, as their name was in Gaelic, Mac-
bheatha, who were hereditary physicians in Isla and Mull,
and who were also sennachies of the Macleans, were of
Irish descent, being O’Neills, and are said by tradition to
be one of the families who accompanied O’Cathan’s daugh-
ter to Scotland; and many of these mss. belonged to
them. The M‘Vurichs, who were hereditary sennachies
INTRODUCTION. XXXVli
to Clanranald, were likewise of Irish descent, and are said
“to have received their education in Irish Colleges of
poetry and writing.” Many of these mss. were com-
piled by them ; and the earliest are likewise written in
the Irish character and idiom. The sennachies of the
other great families, comprised within the dominions of
the Lords of the Isles, appear likewise to have all resorted
to Ireland for instruction and training in their art.
A powerful influence must thus have been exercised
upon the language and literature of the Highlands, which
must have become by degrees more and more assimilated
to that of Ireland ; and it may well be doubted whether,
towards the close of this period, there existed the means
of acquiring the art of writing the language except in
Ireland, or the conception of a written and cultivated
literature, which was not identified with its language and
learning.
We have no reason, however, to conclude, on that ac-
count, that there was not a vernacular Gaelic, which pre-
served many of the independent features of a native
language, and existed among the people as a spoken
dialect ; or that a popular and unwritten literature may
not at the same time have existed in that native and
idiomatic Gaelic in the poetry handed down by tradi-
tion, or composed by native bards, innocent of all ex-
traneous education in the written language of Ireland.
It is, in fact, in poetry, or rather in popular ballad
poetry, that the nervous and idiomatic vernacular of the
1 Highland Society’s Report, App. p. 6.
XXXVII1 INTRODUCTION.
people is usually preserved. Prose readily assimilates
itself and succumbs to the influence of a cultivated and
written language, but the tyranny of rhythm and metre
preserves the language in which poetry is composed in
its original form and idiom.!
The fall of the great House of the Isles was coincident.
with another event, destined to effect a great change in
the position of the Highland population and of their
literature. This was the Reformation of the sixteenth
century and its attendant events, the establishment of a
Reformed Church, the introduction of printing, and the
translation of the Scriptures and religious works for the
instruction of the people. |
From this source sprung up a religious literature,
which, commencing in the written or Irish Gaelic, gra-
dually approached nearer and nearer to the spoken dialect
of the country, and, accompanied by the preaching of the
clergy in the vernacular dialect, tended to preserve and
stereotype the language spoken in the Highlands in its
native form and idiom.
The first printed book was a translation of the Form of
Prayer issued by John Knox, which was made by John
Carsewell, the Protestant Bishop of the Isles, and printed
at “Dunedin darab comhainm Dunmonaidh,” that is, at
Dunedin or Edinburgh, otherwise called Dunmonaidh,
24th April 1567. Bishop
Carsewell was a native of
1 Prose originally written in a ver-
nacular dialect readily adapts itself to
the changes in the language, or passes
into a new and cultivated form of it;
but not so ballad poetry. The poems of
Burns, for instance, could not be writ-
ten in English without sacrificing, to a
great extent, the rhyme and cadence of
the verses, and almost entirely their
nerve and power.
INTRODUCTION. XXX1X
Kilmartin, in the southern part of the country of Argyll.
He prefixes to his translation an address, which is written
in the Irish orthography, and in the pure Irish or written
dialect. In it he says, that “we, the Gael of Alban and
Erin, have laboured under the want that our dialects of
the Gaelic have never been printed ;” and he alludes to
the dialects of the language and to the manuscript litera-
ture then existing, “ written im manuscript books in the
compositions of poets and ollaos, and in the remains of
learned men,” and characterizes them not unjustly as full
of “lying, worldly stories concerning the Tuatha de
Dannan, the sons of Milesius, the heroes, and Finn
mac Cumhal with his Feine.” |
The second printed book was a translation of Calvin’s
Catechism, which was published, along with an English
edition, in 1631. This translation seems likewise to have .
been made in Argyllshire, and is in the Irish orthography
and idiom.
In 1659, the Presbyterian Synod of Argyll took up
the work of issuing translations into Gaelic of the
metrical Psalms and of the Scriptures, and commenced
with a portion of the Psalter, which was completed in
1694. This also is in the Irish dialect ; but, in 1753, an
amended version was published by the Rev. Alexander
Macfarlane, minister of Kilninver and Kilmelford, who
had previously, in 1750, published a translation into
Gaelic of Baxter’s Call to the Unconverted, adapted to
the Gaelic of the central and north Highlands ; and, in
1787, another version was issued by Dr. J. Smith,
xl] INTRODUCTION.
minister of Kilbrandon, and afterwards of Campbell-
town, who had in 1781 translated Alleine’s Alarm into
Gaelic, and in this version the north country words
and Irishisms werethrown out, and the metre suited
to the west country dialect; and, finally, in 1807, an
edition of the Psalter was published by Thomas Ross _
for the use of the northern districts, i which the Irish
words, unintelligible to them, are explained at the
bottom of the page by synonymous words used in that
part of the Highlands.
In 1690, the first Bible was published for the use of
the Highlands. It was simply an edition of the Irish
version of the Bible, by the Rev. Robert Kirke, minister
of Balquhidder, to which he appended a short vocabu-
lary.
In 1767, the first translation of the New Testament
was published. It was translated by the Rev. James
Stewart of Killin. It was then considered as pure
Scotch Gaelic, and free from Irish idiom ; and, in 1796,
it was revised and altered by his son, Dr. Stewart of
Luss. In 1783, a translation of the Old Testament was
undertaken by the Society for Propagating Christian
Knowledge in Scotland, and completed in 1787, and
various editions subsequently appeared. In 1816, a
memorial was presented to the General Assembly of
the Church, urging the necessity of a final revision of
the Gaelic Scriptures, and a committee of the best
Gaelic scholars appointed to superintend it, under whose
auspices an amended edition was published of the Old
a far “re
INTRODUCTION. xh
Testament in 1820, and of the whole Scriptures in 1826,
which may now be considered as the standard of the
orthography and idiom of the Scotch Gaelic. |
It will be seen that the earlier printed books emanated
entirely from Argyllshire, where the spoken dialect ap-
proaches more nearly to the Irish; and the work of
translating and publishing the Psalter and Scriptures
into Gaelic being a new and difficult task, the translators
resorted to Ireland and to the written and cultivated
dialect of the Irish as the medium through which to
convey it ; but as subsequent editions were issued, they
were brought more and more near to the spoken lan-
guage of the Scotch Highlands in its purest form and
idiom, and the Irish orthography by degrees adapted to
it, till at length the Scotch Gaelic became clothed in that
orthography in which we now find it, and elevated to the
position of a written and cultivated language.
Throughout the whole of this period, however, there
existed, side by side with this printed religious literature,
another literature in the popular poetry of the unculti-
vated native bards, removed from the influence of Irish
training, whose compositions were expressed in the pure
idiom of the spoken dialect; and in the poems of Tan
Lom, the Lochaber poet of the Wars of Montrose ; Dun-
can Ban Macintyre, whose exquisite poem of Bendoran is
a beautiful specimen of pure Gaelic, and whose poems
were printed in 1778; Ailen Buidhe Macdougall, W.
Ross, and AJlan Dall Macdougall—all natives of the
central districts of the Highlands,——-we find ample evi-
xin- - INTRODUCTION.
dence of the existence and character of a vernacular
dialect, in which the people interchanged their homely
ideas, and their favourite bards composed their poems
which found an immediate access to the hearts and ima-
gination of the people; while the language in which their
scriptures and formularies were conveyed was looked
upon as a sort of sacred dialect, through which they re-
ceived their religious teaching.
There was thus, throughout, a double influence exercised
upon the language and literature of the Highlands. One
from Ireland, which was associated with the written and
cultivated dialect of Gaelic which had there been formed,
and brought over with Christianity to Scotland. With
it came the Irish orthography. It was mainly connected
with learning and religious teaching, and its influence
was most powerful in the western districts and islands,
and the territories subject to the power of the Lord of
the Isles. The other, indigenous and antagonistic to it,
falling back upon a literary influence from the south and
east, when not predominant, and associated more with
the popular poetry of the Highlands. Its orthography
seems to have resembled that of the other Celtic lan-
guages, the Welsh and the Manx ; and its influence pre-
vailed in the central and north Highlands, where the
best and purest type of the Scotch Gaelic is still to be
found.
1 Mr, Donald Macintosh, the Keeper _ Fernaig has a paper Ms., written in the
of the Highland Society’s mss., in his | Roman character, and in an orthography
list of Mss. then existing in Scotland in like that of the Dean of Lismore, con-
1806, mentions that ‘‘ Mr. Matheson of taining songs and hymns, some by
INTRODUCTION. xhi
The literary history of the Highlands falls into periods
as these influences respectively prevailed.
The first period is prior to the seventh century, when
there was no political separation between Ireland and
Gaelic Scotland. The great divisions of the people were
regulated by race rather than by geographical distribu-
tion. The Cruithne everywhere were united by common
origin and ties of race ; and the Scots, wherever settled,
owned the Milesian Ardrigh in Ireland. The countries
were simply viewed as the east and the west, and were
known as Erin and Alban, and the communication between
them was free and unrestrained. The second period com-
mences with the separation of the Scotch Dalriada from the _
Irish in 573, and of the Irish Cruithne from the present
race, some thirty years later, when a political as well as
a geographical separation between the Celtic tribes of the
two countries took place ; but, for upwards of a century
afterwards, the church and clergy of the Highlands were
Irish, and the written Irish dialect imported by them
must still have remained in use, and exercised its accus-
tomed influence on the spoken language.
After the expulsion of the Scotch clergy in 717, a
period of great obscurity in the history of Scotland occurs,
extending to nearly a century and a half, during which
the ecclesiastical influence exercised was from the south,
taking its origin from the Anglic kingdom of Northum-
bria ; some revolution also took place, which placed a
Bishop Carsewell.” This ms. has not ed to Ireland for his prose translation of
been recovered ; but if we had it, we Knox’s Liturgy, his original poetry was
might find that, while the Bishop resort- _in a different dialect and orthography.
xliv INTRODUCTION.
Scottish royal family upon the throne of a kingdom con-
sisting of the united tribes situated to the north of the
Forth and Clyde. But during the same period another
event took place, of great significance in the literary his-
tory of the country; the Monastery of Icholumkill or
Iona, the time-honoured seat of Gaelic learning, went
down amidst the troubled waters of Scandinavian piracy,
and its position, as head of the learning and religion of
the country, was gone for ever. |
During the fourth period, which Teed for three hun-
dred years, the Norwegian kingdom of Man and the
Isles, which likewise embraced the western seaboard of
the Highlands, interposed itself between the Highlands
and Ireland; and the influence from the latter country
must for the time have been paralysed, while the indi-
genous and native influence maintained itself in the
extensive Highland province of Moray.
At the close of this period we have a hint of the
existence of an Albanic dialect of Gaelic in the Life of
St. Kentigern, first Bishop of Glasgow, by Jocelyn, the
biographer also of St. Patrick, who wrote in the year 1180.
He says that the name of Kentigern was justly given
to one who might be called their dominus capitaneus ;
‘nam ken caput Latine, tyern Albanice, dominus Latine
interpretatur.” This is nearly a phonetic orthography,
and not unlike that of the Dean of Lismore’s ms. In
Irish orthography the words would be cend, signifying
caput, or a head ; tegerna, dominus, or lord ; but in pro-
-nunciation the d in cend is quiescent, and the aspirated
INTRODUCTION. xlv
g in tegerna, so that the sound is exactly represented
even as now pronounced. Jocelyn seems to recognise
the existence of a native dialect designated by Albanice ;
and one of the peculiarities of Scotch Gaelic is also
present in the omission of the final a from the word
tigerna.
The fate of the great Celtic earldom of Moray, and
the decay of the Norwegian power in the Isles, was fol-
lowed by the powerful sway of the Celtic Lords of the
Isles, who, during the fifth period, extending from three
to four centuries, were dominant in the western dis-
tricts ; and, as far as their sway extended, the spirit,
influence, and literature were all Irish, and it was only
when the fall of the almost independent kingdom of the
Isles, and the Reformation again separated the country
from Ireland, that a reaction towards the vernacular
and spoken Scotch Gaelic took place, which has resulted
in a clear development of its grammatical rules and
construction, and the establishment of a fixed ortho-
graphy. |
_ It was at the close of the fifth period, during which
the Lords of the Isles were all-powerful in the west,
and just before the middle of the sixteenth century
ushered in the Reformation, that the collection, of which
selections are now published, was made by the Vicar of
Fortingal, who was also Dean of Lismore. It is a col-
1 In the older life of St. Kentigern, cur jir sin, quod sonat Latine O utinam
written prior to 1164, it is said that sic esset.” In modern Scotch Gaelic the
Servanus, at Culross, when he heard of phrase would be, A dhia gur fior sin.
Kentigern’s birth, exclaimed, “‘ A dia
xlvi INTRODUCTION.
lection, formed upwards of three hundred years ago,
from all quarters, and presents to us a specimen of the
literature which was current in the Highlands during
this period. There are poems by the Irish bards, whose
schools extended also to the Highlands, by the O’Dalys,
who lived during the fifteenth century ; by Teague og
O’Higein, who died in 1448; by Dermod O’Hiffernan ;
and by Turn O’Meilchonair, Ollav of the Sil Murray, who
died in 1468. There are poems by Allan M‘Ruadrie and
Gillecallum Mae an Olla, who seem to have been native
bards ; by John of Knoydart, who celebrates the murder
of the young Lord of the Isles by his Irish harper in
1490; by Finlay M‘Nab, called the Good Poet; and by
the transcriber of the greater part of the manuscript,
Duncan, the Dean’s brother, who wrote in praise of the
M‘Gregors. |
The great value of this collection, as regards the lan-
guage, arises from the peculiar orthography used, which
presents it as it must have been pronounced, and affords
a means of testing one of the chief differences which
characterize the different provincial dialects, the vowel
and consonantal sounds, and the presence or absence of
eclipsis and aspiration.
It has been found impossible to print the whole of the
contents of the ms., but the selection which has been
made, chiefly with reference to the literature of the High-
lands, will also afford a fair specimen of the shades of
difference which characterized the language in which the
poems are written. Some are in pure Irish, and must
INTRODUCTION. xlvii
have been transferred from the Irish orthography into
that used in the Ms. Others are in pure Scotch Gaelic,
as the poems of Duncan, son of Dougall Maol, Finlay
M‘Nab, the bard roy, and John of Knoydart. Others are
in a mixed dialect, in some of which the Irish idiom,
in others the Scotch, predominates.
In general, it will be found that the language ap-
proaches more or less nearly to the Irish, as the writers
appear to have had more or less cultivation in the writ-
ten language, or were more or less removed from Irish
influence ; and the Ms. may be viewed as the only known
record of those vernacular dialects of Gaelic in the six-
teenth century which differed in any degree from the
written and cultivated language.
But while the Dean of Lismore’s ms. has in this re-
spect a philological value, it has likewise no mean
literary value, from the circumstance that it contains no
fewer than twenty-eight Ossianic poems, extending to up-
wards of 2500 lines, nine directly attributed to Ossian,
two to Farris or Ferghus Fildh, and one to Caolte
M‘Ronan, the three bards of the Feine; two to Allan
M‘Ruadri, and one to Gillecallum Mac an Olla, bards
hitherto unknown ; and eleven poems, Ossianic in their
style and subject, to which no author’s name is attached.
The circumstances under which the controversy re-
garding the authenticity of the poems of Ossian, pub-
lished by James Macpherson, arose, and the extent to
which it for the time agitated the minds of the literaiz
of England and Scotland, are well known.
xlvni INTRODUCTION.
In the summer of 1759, Mr. John Home, the author
of Douglas, met Mr. James Macpherson, then a tutor in
the family of Graham of Balgowan, at Moffat. Mr. Home
had previously been told by Professor Adam Fergusson,
a native of Atholl, and acquainted with Gaelic, that
there existed in the country some remains of ancient
Gaelic poetry. Mr. Home mentioned the circumstance
to James Macpherson, also a Highlander, and a native of
Badenoch, and was told by him that. he had some pieces
of ancient Gaelic poetry in his possession. After some
difficulty, Mr. Home obtained translations of them from
Macpherson, and took them to Edinburgh, and showed
the translations to Drs. Blair, Fergusson, and Robertson,
by whom they were much admired. Macpherson was
importuned to translate all he had, and the translations
furnished by him were published in a little volume in
June 1760, under the title of “ Fragments of Ancient
Poetry collected in the Highlands of Scotland.”
There seems little reason to doubt that these transla-
tions were made from genuine fragments in Macpherson’s
possession. If they existed at all, they were in his pos-
session before any talk had arisen of translating Gaelic
poetry. There was no pretext of going to the Highlands
to collect them. There was no idea, at the time the
translations were produced, that such poetry could have
any value in the eyes of the literary world, and there
seems no motive for any deception. In the frag-
ments, or rather short poems, contained in this little
work, the proper names are smoothed down from their
NO
INTRODUCTION. xlix
original Gaelic form to suit English ears; and Mac-
pherson had already hit upon that happy prose version,
the conception of which has great merit, and had no little
share in the popularity which immediately attached to
them ; but, in other respects, they have every appearance
of having been translations from short Gaelic poems
which really existed. The admiration which they ex-
cited in the minds of men of the great literary reputa-
_ tion of Home, Blair, Fergusson, and Robertson, must
have first astonished, and then greatly flattered, a man of
the disposition of Macpherson. He was urged to under-
take a journey to the Highlands, to collect all that
remained of poetry of this description, and a subscrip-
tion was raised to defray the expense. This proposal
must have raised a prospect sufficiently dazzling before
the poor Highland tutor, who seemed likely to. exchange
a life of poverty, obscurity, and irksome duty, for one
of comparative independence and literary fame; and
he acceded to it with affected reluctance. At that time,
anything like that spirit of severe and critical anti-
quarianism, which attaches the chief value to the relics
of past ages from their being genuine fragments of a
past literature, and demands a rigid and literal ad-
herence to the form and shape in which they are found,
was totally unknown. That feeling is the creation of
subsequent times. At that time literary excellence was
mainly looked to, their authority was usually taken on
trust, and it was thought that the claims of such eriti-
cism were sufficiently satisfied when the remains of the
e
} Bass , INTRODUCTION.
past were woven into an elegant and flowing narrative.
With Homer and other classical epics before him, such
a proposal as the publication of the ancient poetry of the
Highlands, assuming, as we now know to be the fact,
that Ossianic poetry of some kind did exist, and looking
to the high expectations formed, must have at once
suggested to him the idea that he should not do justice
to the task he had undertaken if he could not lkewise
produce a Gaelic epic. This idea seems early to have .
suggested itself to Macpherson’s mind ; it is obscurely
hinted at in the preface to the Fragments; and Mac-
pherson seems to have started on his tour with the pre-
conceived determination to view any short poems and
fragments he might find as parts of longer poems, and,
if possible, by welding them together, to produce a
national epic which should do honour to his country,
and confirm his own reputation as its recoverer and
translator. He was accompanied, in the earlier part of
his journey, by a countryman of his own, Mr. Lachlan
Macpherson of Strathmashie, who was a better Gaelic
‘scholar than he was himself, and an excellent Gaelic poet.
It is certain that, in this tour, a number of Mss. were
collected by them, and poetry taken down from recita-
tion ; and that he was joined in it by another Gaelic
scholar, Captain Alexander Morrison, who likewise as-
sisted him. On his return, he proceeded to Badenoch,
his native place and that of Lachlan Macpherson, and
here he remained till January 1761, engaged, with the
assistance of Lachlan Macpherson and Alexander Mor-
ee
i i
INTRODUCTION. ~ li
rison, in preparing the materials for the next publication
of Ossian ; and then proceeded to Edinburgh, from
whence lie writes to the Rev. James M‘Lagan, in a
letter dated 16th January 1761,—“I have been lucky
enough to lay my hands on a pretty complete poem,
and truly epic, concerning Fingal... .. I have some
thoughts of publishing the original, if it will not clog
the work too much.”
His task, whatever it was, had dite been accomplished ;
and after remaining some time in Edinburgh, engaged in
preparing the English version for the press, he went to
London, and early in 1762 issued a quarto volume, con-
taining the epic poem of Fingal, in six books, and sixteen _
other poems. In the following year another quarto ap-
peared, containing another epic poem in eight books,
called Temora, and five other poems. This volume also
contained what was called “a specimen of the original of
Temora,” being a Gaelic version of the seventh book, and
the only Gaelic bearing to be the original of any of the
poems which appeared.
The English version, contained in these two quartos,
possessed the same character as the English of the Frag-
ments ; the same accommodation: of the Gaelic proper
names to the supposed requirements of English ears, and
the prose style, originated by Macpherson, sustained with
equal spirit ; the poems, however, were longer, and more
elaborate.
The literary public, who had welcomed the Fragments
with admiration, received the volume containing the
li INTRODUCTION,
epic of Fingal with startled but silent acquiescence, and
exploded under the eight books of Temora. It seemed
incredible that poems such as these could have been
handed down by oral recitation from the supposed age of
Ossian ; the refined manners described, and the allusions
to the Roman Emperors, awakened suspicion, and a
storm of adverse criticism and questioning incredulity
arose, in which Dr. Johnson—at that time in the zenith
of his reputation—took the lead.
Macpherson, who found the fair breeze of flattery and
laudation, before which he had been sailing so smoothly
on his heavy quartos, without a suspicion that he had not
attained the full success he aimed at, so suddenly changed
into an adverse storm of criticism and depreciation, knew
not how to meet the crisis. He had not courage to avow
the truth, and state candidly to the world how much of his
work was based on original authority, and to what ex-
tent he had carried the process of adapting, interpolating,
He took refuge first in
sulky silence, and eventually seemed to find a sort of
compensation for his denunciation, as a detected forger,
and weaving into epic poems.
in the necessary alternative, the credit of having been a
successful composer, and by half hints encouraged that
view.!
The journey which Dr. Johnson took to the Hebrides,
1In 1778 and 1780 a collection of Ossi- Library. There is appended to it a list
anic poems, in the original Gaelic, was
made by Duncan Kennedy, schoolmaster.
His ms. collection was purchased by
the Highland Society, and is now in the
collection of Mss. in the Advocates’
of the persons from whose recitations the
poems were taken down.
In 1780, Dr. Smith, of Campbellton,
published a quarto volume, entitled
Gaelic Antiquities, containing versions
es
INTRODUCTION. hii
in order to examine the question, and of his Journal
of which, one passage seems to have adhered to men’s
recollections almost as pertinaciously as that of Ossian’s
Address to the Sun did to the Highland reciters of his
poems—the celebrated description of Iona—was not likely
to do much in the way of solving the question.
A man of the obstinate prejudices and overbearing
temper of Dr. Johnson, with a firm belief that no Ossi-
anic poems really existed, and that Gaelic was not a
written language, with an entire ignorance of that
language, and a colossal reputation as a critic, bursting
suddenly among the frightened Highland ministers, who
believed in him, and trembled before him, could hardly
return with any other result than that he had found no
poems of Ossian, and no one bold enough to avow, in his
presence, that he believed in their existence ; and most
men now subsided into the conviction that the whole
in English of poems attributed to Ossian,
Ullin, ete.; and in 1787 the originals were
published under the title of Sean Dana.
Unhappily, Dr. Smith, instead of pub-
lishing the poems as he got them, with a
literal English version, was ambitious
of shining, like Macpherson, as an edi-
tor of Ossian, and of sharing in his no-
toriety; but the poems of the latter had
already lost their lustre, and Smith did
not possess the wonderful tact and
originality Macpherson really showed
in producing his English version, and
which alone made them bearable; his
version was diffuse, heavy, and turgid,
and his book fell dead from the press.
The Sean Dana showed that he had
largely made use of Kennedy’s collec-
tion.
Kennedy, with the strange desire that
all of these collectors of Ossianic poems
showed to be supposed capable of compos-
ing them, and thus to acquire literary
credit at the expense of their honesty, laid
claim to the authorship of part of them,
and furnished the Highland Society with
a statement of those parts of the poems
he had really taken down from recitation,
and those he claimed to have composed.
It is strange that the passages he
claimed as his own composition are just
those which have been most clearly esta-
blished to be genuine.
Thus, lines which Kennedy marked
as his owncomposition, are found verba-
tim in the Dean’s MS.
I believe that there was little or no
truth in Kennedy’s assertion, which was
dictated by vanity, and that his collec-
tion is, on the whole, genuine.
liv INTRODUCTION.
thing was an imposture, an opinion embodied and ela-
borately worked out by Malcolm Laing.
This led to the Highland Society of Scotland under-
taking an inquiry into the authenticity of the poems of
Ossian published by Macpherson, which involved the
subsidiary inquiry of whether such poems existed in the _
Highlands in the original Gaelic. The result of this in- -
quiry is contained in the elaborate report prepared by
Henry Mackenzie, the author of the Man of Feeling, and’
published in 1806. 3
The inquiry was conducted with much candour. The
committee were aided by receiving from Mr. John Mac-
' kenzie, Secretary of the Highland Society of London,
-and executor of Mr. James Macpherson, all the Gaelic
MSS. in his possession, including those which Macpherson
had left behind him ; and they resorted to every means
within their reach to obtain information.
_ The whole of the materials for forming a judgment
which they had collected were placed impartially before
the public ; and the subject, so far as such materials then
existed or were at their command, is really exhausted by
this report.
The committee were cautious in giving an opinion,
but the result they arrived at seems to have been—
1st, That the characters introduced into Macpherson’s
poems were not invented, but were really the subjects of
tradition in the Highlands; and that poems certainly
existed which might be called Ossianic, as relating to the
persons and events of that mythic age.
INTRODUCTION. ) lv
2d, That such poems, though usually either entire
poems of no very great length, or fragments, had been
handed down from an unknown period by oral recita-
tion, and that there existed many persons in the High-
lands who could repeat them.
3d, That such poems had likewise been committed to
writing, and were to be found to some extent in MSs.
4th, That Macpherson had used many such poems in
his work ; but by joining separated pieces together, and
by adding a connecting narrative of his own, had woven
them into longer poems, and into the so-called epics.
No materials existed, however, to show the extent to
which this process had been carried, and the amount of
genuine matter the poems, as published by Macpherson,
‘contained.
1 A comparison of the poems in the
Fragments, with those in the first
quarto, containing the epic of Fingal,
shows indications of the mode in which
Macpherson dealt with his materials.
There are sixteen poems in the Frag-
ments, all short ; and some bearing the
usual mark of a complete poem, by the
first line being repeated at the end.
Thus, the second fragment begins
with the sentence, ‘‘I sit by the mossy
fountain; on the top of the hill of
winds.” And the same expression is
introduced at the end—‘ By the mossy
fountain I will sit; on the top of the
hill of winds ;” marking a complete
poem.
The first and fourth fragments we
find in the quarto volume, containing
Fingal, forming part of a longer poem
termed Carrickthura, and here they are
joined together by intermediate passages
of some length, evidently interpolated
by Macpherson.
The sixth and twelfth fragments con-
tain dialogues between the poet and the
son of Alpine. This was no doubt, in
the original, the usual dialogue between
Ossian and Patrick, always called in
Scotch Gaelic poems Macalpine. The
sixth fragment appears also in the
quarto, in the so-called Epic of Fingal ;
but the dialogue is omitted, and the
translation greatly altered.
To the fourteenth fragment there is
appended the following note :—‘“ This
is the opening of the epic poem men-
tioned in the preface. The two follow-
ing fragments are parts of some episodes
of the same work,” and they accordingly
appear in the quarto, in the epic poem
of Fingal.
The fourteenth fragment, however,
relates to Cuchullin alone ; and in those
tales and poems which we know to be
genuine, Cuchullin and Fingal are
never brought together.
Macpherson seems, at this stage of
lvi INTRODUCTION.
Such was the result to which the committee appeared
to come, and which may fairly be deduced from this
inquiry ; all intelligent inquirers seemed now to adopt
this result, and the unbiassed public generally acquiesced
in it,—the only difference of opinion being as to the
greater or less extent to which Macpherson carried his
process of adaptation and amalgamation.
The publication in 1806 of what was called the
original Gaelic of Ossian, did not affect this conclusion,
or tend to alter the general acquiescence of the public in
it. Instead of consisting of genuine extracts from old
MSS., or copies of pieces taken down from oral recitation,
it proved to be a complete version in Gaelic poetry of
the English version transcribed under James Macpher-
son’s eye, and left by him in a state for publication. It
was a smooth and polished version in Gaelic verse of the
entire poems, in the same shape as they were presented
in English, and written in the modern Gaelic of that
time.
It is very difficult, however, to believe that this Gaelic
version had been composed subsequently to the publica-
tion of the English Ossian, and translated from it. To
any one capable, from a knowledge of Gaelic, of judg-
ing, such a theory seems almost impossible ; and it is
difficult to acquiesce in it. A review of all the circum-
stances which have been allowed to transpire regarding
the proceedings of James Macpherson, seems rather to
his collection, to have conceived the idea chullin and Fingal in the same trans-
of weaving the short poems into one actions, betrays its artificial construc-
epic ; but his unskilful junction of Cu- tion.
INTRODUCTION. lvil
lead to the conclusion that the Gaelic version, in the
shape in which it was afterwards published, had been
prepared in Badenoch, during the months Macpherson
passed there, after his return from his Highland tour, with
the assistance of Lachlan Macpherson of Strathmashie,
and Captain Morrison, and that. the English translation
was made from it by Macpherson in-the same manner in
which he had translated the fragments,—a conclusion
which is the more probable, as, while James Macpherson’s
acquaintance with the language seems not to have been
sufficiently complete to qualify him for such a task,
there appears to be no doubt of the Laird of Strath-
mashie’s perfect ability to accomplish it.?
But while from this date the controversy in England
may be said to have terminated, with the exception of
1 Some years ago I happened to
pass a couple of months in the imme-
diate neighbourhood of Strathmashie,
and I recollect having been informed at
that time, but by whom I cannot now
tell, that, after Lachlan Macpherson’s
death, a paper was found in his reposi-
tories containing the Gaelic of the seventh
book of Temora, in his handwriting,
with numerous corrections and altera-
tions, with this title,—‘‘ First rude draft
of the seventh book of Temora.”
Mr. Gallie sent to the Highland Society
apart of the Gaelic of Fingal, which
afterwards appeared in the Gaelic ver-
sion subsequently published. He said
he had taken it froma ms. he had re-
covered, written by a friend ‘“‘ who was
at that time with Mr. Macpherson and
me, a gentleman well known for an un-
common acquaintance with the Gaelic,
and a happy facility for writing it in
Roman characters.”’.
On being pressed to say who this
friend was, he says, ‘‘his name was
Lachlane Macpherson of Strathmashy.
He died in 1767.” '
This Gaelic version seems, therefore, to
have been put together before 1767 ; and
if before 1762, it will account for the
original of the seventh book of Temora
having been published in that year,
and also for an advertisement which
appeared soon after the publication
of the second quarto, that the ‘ ori-
ginals were lying at the publisher's,
and would be published if a sufficient
number of subscribers came forward ;
but as few subscribers appeared, and
fewer came to look at them, they were
withdrawn.
The so-called originals were, no doubt,
this Gaelic version, which there is every
reason to believe had preceded the Eng-
lish version in its preparation.
lvl INTRODUCTION.
an occasional reproduction of old arguments and of
criticism long superseded, by enthusiastic young High-
landers, and occasional discussions at young debating
societies, 1t broke out from a new quarter, and in a
different shape.
The Irish, who had been long murmuring under the.
neglect of their claims to literary notice, and the ab-
sorbing attention obtained by the Highlands, suddenly
burst forth with a succession of violent and spasmodic
attacks, of which the partial detection of the Ossian of
Macpherson afforded a favourable opportunity.
In 1784 Dr. Young, afterwards Bishop of Clonfert, a
good. Irish scholar, had made a tour in the Highlands,
with the view of collecting Gaelic poems, and ascertain-
ing from what materials Macpherson had constructed his
Ossian. He published an account of his journey in the
_ first volume of the Transactions of the Royal Irish Aca-
demy, in which he maintained that any poems that
existed were Irish, and that Macpherson had founded
his Ossian on some of these, “retrenching, adding, and
altering as he judged proper.”
In-1789 a collection of Irish Ossianic poems was pub- -
lished by Miss Brooke, termed Reliques of Irish Poetry.
They consisted of short poems, either attributed to
Ossian or on Ossianic subjects, and were accompanied
by the original Irish version from which they were
translated. Where that was obtained is not stated.
In 1807 the Dublin Gaelic Society was formed, for
the purpose of .publishing the contents of Irish ss. ;
INTRODUCTION. lix
and in the only volume of transactions published, the
subject of Ossian was taken up. The prose tale of
Deirdre, the original of Macpherson’s Darthula, inter-_
spersed with fragments of poetry, is there given; and
the volume likewise contains strictures upon Macpher-
son, in which his work is boldly.denounced as an entire
fabrication and imposture from beginning to end, and
the assertion made, that no poems of Ossian ever existed
in Gaelic except those in Ireland.
In 1827 the Royal Irish Academy offered a prize for
the best essay on the poems of Ossian. The subject
proposed was “to investigate the authenticity of the
poems of Ossian, both as given in Macpherson’s trans-
lation and as published in Gaelic (London, 1807),
under the sanction of the Highland Society of London.”
The prize was awarded in 1829 to Dr. Drummond,
their librarian, whose essay is published in the sixteenth
volume of their Transactions. In this essay the argu-
ments of Dr. Johnson and Malcolm Laing are adopted ;
and the assertion of the former is re-echoed, that “ there
does not exist in the whole Highlands a person who
can repeat one poem of Macpherson’s Ossian.” Another
essay, given in by Edward O'Reilly, the author of an
Irish dictionary of no great repute, is printed in conti-
nuation of Dr. Drummond’s, also asserting the modern
fabrication of the whole of the poems published by
Macpherson, and that the Gaelic poems of Macpherson
contain in them the substance stolen from Irish poems.
In 1853 a society was formed in Dublin, “ whose
lx INTRODUCTION.
object should be the publication of Fenian poems, tales,
and romances illustrative of the Fenian period of Irish
history, in the Irish language and character, with literal -
translations and notes explanatory of the text.” This
society was termed the Ossianic Society, and they have
already issued six volumes of Transactions.
In the fifth volume there is an essay on the poems of
Ossian by Macpherson, which may be considered as a
summary of the case of Ireland against Scotland as to
these poems.
This essay is, like the others, violent in language and
uncandid in spirit. It deals with the controversy as it
existed in the last century, and its strength consists in
simply ignoring altogether the inquiry made by the High-
land Society of Scotland, the whole of the great mass of
facts collected by them being passed over in silence, and
in imputing to the Scots of the present day the views
and feelings of those of a century back, before the rise
of a true spirit of historic inquiry and genuine criticism
had led them to a just appreciation of their national
history, and of the claims of Macpherson’s Ossian to be
viewed as an authentic work.
The publications of the Dublin Gaelic Society and of
the Ossianic Society have, however, not merely assailed
the Ossian of Macpherson as a fabrication, and denied
to Scotland the possession of any Ossianic poems what-
ever; they have at length given to the world those
genuine Ossianic poems alleged to exist solely in Ireland.
The former contains the prose tale of Deirdre, inter-
————— ee ee
INTRODUCTION. lxi
spersed with short poems. ‘The latter have presented to
the public a number of poems in the original Irish, with
literal translations. ‘The first volume contains a poem
extending to no fewer than 180 quatrains, termed the
Battle of Gabhra, to which is added a short poem
termed the Rosg Catha of Oscar son of Ossian ; but,
strangely enough, though there is an elaborate intro-
duction, no hint is given of where the originals of
these poems were obtained. The second volume, be-
sides a short poem given in a long and elaborate intro-
duction, contains a prose tale called the Festivities of the
House of Conan of Ceann-sleibhe ; and in this volume,
for the first time, the source from which this tale and the
poem in the previous volume was taken is stated. They
are from a Ms. collection made by a celebrated scribe
named Foran, who resided at Portland, in the county of
Waterford, in the year 1780, that is, twenty years after
Macpherson had published his Ossian.
The third volume contains a long prose tale, interspersed
with poetry, termed the Pursuit of Diarmaid and
Grainne ; another prose tale, termed How Cormac mac
Art got his Branch; and a poem, termed the Lamenta-
tion of Oisin after the Femmne. And the sources of these
tales are stated to be—ist, The collection made by
Laurence Foran in 1780, termed Bolg an tsalathar ;
and 2dly, A closely written quarto of 881 pages, from
the pen of Martan O’Griobhta or Martin Griffin, an in-
telligent blacksmith of Kilrush, in the county of Clare,
1842-43, called an Sgeulaidhe, and containing thirty-
lxii INTRODUCTION.
eight Fenian and other legends, some of which are said
to have been transcribed from mss. of 1749.)
The fourth volume contains ten poems, which, with the
exception of two, were taken from the collection of 1780,
from another collection made in 1812 by the Rev. Thomas
Hill of Cooreclure, and from the volume of the intelligent
blacksmith in 1844.
The fifth volume contains a long prose tale termed the
Proceedings of the Great Bardic Institution, an essay
on the poems of Ossian, published by Macpherson, and
several short poems which are ancient, but not Ossianie.
_ And the sixth and last contains nine Ossianic poems,
which are stated to be taken from Foran’s collection in
1780, from that of Mr. Hill in 1812, and from the intel-
ligent blacksmith of 1844.
No information whatever is given as to the sources from
whence these respectable collectors obtained their poems ;
they are all posterior to the publication of Ossian’s poems
by Macpherson ; and, so far as we are yet informed by
the Irish editors, the Ossianic poems published by them
stand in no better position in regard to their antiquity
or authenticity than those of Macpherson.”
Professor O’Curry, in his valuable lectures on Irish
literature, with that scrupulous accuracy which always
distinguishes him, admits that there exists in Ireland
1 In vol. iv. p. 230 of these Transac- especially the poem termed the Battle of
tions, it is admitted that some of the Gabhra, show evident indications of the
poems transcribed in 1749 were the com- same process of patching and dovetailing
position of the writer, Michael Comyn. together of shorter poems which charac-
2 Those poems published by the Ossi- — terize Macpherson’s Ossian.
anic Society which are of any length, and
C—O eo
INTRODUCTION. lxil
only eleven Ossianic poems prior to the fifteenth century
—geven ascribed to Fionn himself, two to his son Oisin,
one to Fergus Filidh, and one to Caoilte. Most of these
are extremely short, and are found principally in the
book of Leinster, supposed to be compiled in the twelfth
century, and in the book of Lecan in the fifteenth.
The theory, that Macpherson stole his poems directly
from Ireland, is obviously untenable and inconsistent with
all that we know of his proceedings, for he never was there,
and had apparently no communication with Irishmen, or
access to their mss. What he obtained, he got in the
Highlands of Scotland, and the collection of poems made
by the Dean of Lismore and his brother tends to confirm
the result which had been attained by the inquiry made
by the Highland Society of Scotland, for it contains
poems attributed directly to Ossian and others which
may be called Ossianic, collected in the Highlands of
Scotland upwards of three hundred years ago. The
persons named, and the subjects, are of the same character
with those in Macpherson, and such poems must have
been handed down by oral recitation, as many of the
poems obtained from recitation durmg the Highland
Society’s inquiry are the same as those in this Ms. __
Assuming, then, that Ossianic poems existed in the
Highlands of Scotland, and were both preserved by oral
tradition, and transcribed in Ms. collections, the question
arises, What is their real position in the literature of
the Highlands? and this question leads to a preliminary
question which will materially aid its solution.
lxiv INTRODUCTION.
Who were the Feinne of tradition, and to what country
and period are they to be assigned ?
To this question the Irish historians give a ready
response. |
They were a body of Irish militia, forming a kind of
standing army, employed for the purpose of defending
the coasts of Ireland from the invasion of foreign foes.
They were billeted upon the inhabitants during win-
ter, and obliged to maintain themselves by hunting and
fishing during summer. Lach of the four provinces had
its band of these warriors, termed Curaidhe or cham-
pions. Those of Ulster were termed the Curaidhe na
Craoibh Ruaidhe, or champions of the red branch, and
were stationed at Eamhain or EFamania, near Ulster. To
this body belonged the celebrated Cuchullin and the sons
of Uisneach. The militia of Connaught were the Cu-
raidhe or champions of Jorras Domnan, otherwise called
the Clanna Morna, to which belonged Goll Mac Morn,
stationed at Dun Domnan, in Mayo. ‘The militia of
Munster were the Curaidhe Clann Deaghadh, to which
belonged Curigh Mac Daire, stationed at Cathair Con-
righ, in Kerry. The militia of Lemster were the Curaighe
Clanna Baoisgne, to which belonged the renowned Finn
Mac Cumhal, his sons, Ossin and Fergus Fuilidh, his
grandson Oscar, and his relation, Caoilte Mac Ronan.
Cuchullin lived in the first century, in the reign of
Conaire Mac Eidersgeoil, Kingof Ireland, and Conchobar
Mac Nessa, a king of Ulster; and at the same period
lived Curigh Mac Daire, who was slain by him. Finn
“slate dena
oe
INTRODUCTION. Ixv
Mac Cumhal lived in the reign of Cormac Mac Art,
who ruled from A.D. 227 to 266, and whose daughter
Graine he married, and Goll Mac Moirna was his cotem-
porary. Finn was slain in the year 285, his grandson
Oscar having fallen in the battle of Gahbra, fought in
the following year. Oissin and Caoilte survived to the
time of St. Patrick, whose mission to Ireland fell in the
year 432, and related to him the exploits of the Feinne ;
one conversation between these aged Feinne and the
apostle of Ireland having been preserved, and is termed
Agallamh na seanorach or the Dialogue of the Sages.
Such is the account of the Femne given by the Irish.
If this is history, cadzt questio. The ancient Irish |
militia, like their more modern representatives, could not,
it is presumed, be called upon to leave their country,
except in case of invasion ; and poems narrating their
adventures and exploits must have been as Irish as the
heroes which were the subject of them.
But we cannot accept it as history in any sense of the
term. It is as illusory and uncertain as are the dates
of St. Patrick, and the narrative of which the one forms
a part, is as little to be regarded as a veracious chronicle,
as the life of the other can be accepted as a genuine
biography. The chronology of the one is as questionable
as the era of the other.
Prior to the year 483, the Irish have, strictly speaking,
no chronological history. The battle of Ocha, fought in
that year, which established the dynasty of the Hy’Neills
on the Irish throne, and the order of things which
f
Ixvi INTRODUCTION.
existed subsequent to that date, is the great chronolo-
gical era which separates the true from the empirical,
the genuine annals of the country from an artificially
constructed history.
Prior to that date, we find the reigns of a long suc-
cession of monarchs recorded, with a strange mixture of ©
minute detail, chronological exactness, and the wildest
fable, a wonderful structure of history palpably artificial,
and ranging over a period of upwards of 3000 years.
Passing over the arrival of Casar, Noah’s niece, who
landed in Ireland forty days before the deluge, on the
fifteenth day of the moon, the so-called Irish history
records the arrival of four colonies before that of the
Milesians. First, that of Partolan and his followers,
who landed at Inversceine, in the west of Munster, on
the 14th day of May, in the year of the world 2320 or
_ 2680 years B.c., and who all perished by a pestilence in
one week to the number of 9000 on the Hill of Howth,
thirty years after their arrival. Secondly, the Neme-
dians, under their leader Nemedius, thirty years after,
who, after remaining 217 years in the island, left it, in
consequence of the tyranny and oppression of the
pirates, termed the Fomorians, in three bands,—one
going to Thrace, from whom descended the Firbolg ;
the second to the North of Europe or Lochlan, from
whom descended the Tuatha De Danann ; and the third
to Alban or Scotland, from whom descended the Bri-
tons. The third colony were the Firbolg, who returned to
Ireland 217 years after the arrival of the Nemedians, and
INTRODUCTION. lxvii
consisted of three tribes, the Firbolg, the Firdomnan,
and the Firgailian under five leaders, by whom Ireland
was divided into five provinces. With Slainge, the
eldest of the five brothers, the Irish historians com-
mence the monarchy of Ireland and the list of her kings.
The fourth colony were the Tuatha De Danann, who
went from Lochlan to Alban or Scotland, and from thence
to Ireland, where they landed on Monday the 1st of May,
and. drove out the Firbolgs, after they had been thirty-six
years in Ireland, to be in their turn driven out by the
Scots, under the three sons of Milesius, Eremon, Eber,
and Ir, who, with their uncle’s son Lughadh, the son of
Ith, led the fifth and last colony from Spain to Ireland. —
The island was divided between the two brothers Ere-
mon and Eber, the former having the north, and the
latter the south half of Ireland; Ir obtaining Ulster
under Eremon, and Lughadh a settlement in Munster
under Eber.
From the sons of Milesius to the reign of Lughadh,
who was placed on thethrone by the battle of Ocha, there
proceeded a line of monarchs amounting to 116 in num-
ber, and extending over a period of upwards of twenty-
one centuries, the descendants of the different sons of
Milesius alternating with each other from time to time,
and the reign of each given with an exactness of date
and minuteness of event which betrays its artificial cha-
racter. As part of this narrative is mtroduced the ex-
istence of these bands of Fenian militia, with the dates
at which their leaders are said to have lived.
lxvili INTRODUCTION.
Is it possible, however, to accept this extraordinary bead-
roll of shadowy monarchs during Pagan times, with their
exact chronology, and the strange and almost ludicrous
peculiarities by which each are distinguished, as serious
history, or even to attempt to discriminate between what
may be true and what is false? Are there any materials, .
or any data upon which we can even fix upon a date, within
a reasonable compass of time, and say all before that is
fable, all after may be history, till we arrive on firm
ground, after the introduction of Christianity ? Professor
O'Curry is right when he says, in his admirable lectures
on the ms. materials of ancient Irish history, that he
cannot discover any ground on which the annalist
Tighernac was able to say, “omnia monumenta Scotorum
usque Cimbaoth (a king of Ulster, who flourished in the
seventh century, B.C.) incerta erant.”
_ From Slainge, the first king of the Firbolgs, who began
to reign 1934 years B.c., and ruled only one year, or even
from Eremon, the first monarch of all Ireland of the
Milesian race, who began to reign 1700 years B.c., down
to Dathy, who was killed by a flash of lightning at the
foot of the Alps in the year 428, and Laogare, his suc-
cessor, who was slain by the elements for refusing obe-
dience to St Patrick’s mission which is said to have taken
place during his reign, every reign is stamped with the
same character ; and what to accept and what to reject is
a problem, for the solution of which the history itself
affords no materials.
If this narrative is to be submitted to historic criticism,
INTRODUCTION. lxix
is the later portion less an object of such criticism than
the earlier? There seems no reason why we should ac-
cept the history of Neill of the nine hostages, who reigned
from 379 to 405, and had subjected all Britain and part
of France to his sway, and reject that of Ugony More,
who reigned 1000 years earlier, and whose conquests were
equally extensive and equally unknown to European his-
tory, or why Ugony’s twenty-five sons are less worthy of
eredit than the thirty sons of Cathoirmor, who reigned
750 years later. Why the division of Ireland into the two
great portions of north and south, between Conn of the
hundred battles and Modha Nuadhat, in the second cen-
tury, is to be accepted in preference to the original divi-
sion into the same districts between Eremon and Eber, °
the sons of Milesius ; or which of the divisions of Ireland
into five provinces, that by Tuathal the acceptable, or
Eochaddh, called Feidhlioch, from the deep sighs which
he constantly heaved from his heart, or that by Slainge,
the first king of the Firbolgs, is to be held to represent
the event which produced it.
Are the conquests in Scotland by Crimthan mor, and
Dathy in the fourth and fifth centuries, to be accepted,
and these equally detailed battles of Aongus olmucadha
and Rechtgidh righ-derg, some centuries earlier, to be
rejected because they occupy a different place in this
succession of unreal monarchs? Are we to accept the
reion of Conchobar Mac Nessa in the first century—to
whom the death of Christ upon the cross was revealed
by a Druid at the time it happened, and who became
lxx INTRODUCTION.
Christian in consequence, and died from over-exertion in
attacking a forest of trees with his sword which he mis-
took for the Jews ; and the reign of Cormac Mac Art,
called Ulfada, either from the length of his beard and
hair, or because he drove the Uladh or Ultonians far from
their country, where, however, they are ever after found .
notwithstanding ; who was also miraculously converted to
Christianity two centuries before the supposed arrival of
St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland, and died by choking
upon the bone of an enchanted fish, or, according to
other accounts, was strangled by a number of infernal
fiends,—as history, in preference to the reigns of scores
of older monarchs, the events of whose reigns cannot be
said to be less probable.
Must we hold that the chronology of Cuchullin and
Corroi, of Finn Mac Cumhal and Goll Mac Morn, is fixed,
because the two former are placed in the reign of Con-
chobar Mac Nessa, and the two latter in that of Cormac
Ulfada, or that their Irish character 1s demonstrated
because they are woven into this Milesian fable 2?
1'The following passage is quoted by
Petrie (Round Towers, p. 96) from an
ancient tract termed the Senchas na Re-
lec, preserved in the leabhar na h’uidhre,
a MS. of the year 1100 :— |
**Cormac Mac Art was the third person
who had believed in Erin before the ar-
rival of St. Patrick ; Conchobar Mac
Nessa, to whom (tno had told concern-
ing the crucifixion of Christ, was the
first ; Moran, the son of Cairpre Cinn-
cait, was the second ; and Cormac was
the third.”
Cairpre Cinncait was the leader of the
Attachtuatha in the insurrection above
referred to; and it is remarkable that
the reign of Conchobar, in which Cu-
chullin and Curoi are said to have flou-
rished, the era of the occupation of the
country by the Attachtuatha, the de-
scendants of the ante-Milesian popula-
tion, and the reign of Cormac Mac Art,
in which Finn Mac Cumhal and Goll
Mac Morn are said to have lived and
fought, should be connected by the
link of a conversion to Christianity.
It seems to synchronize these three pe-
riods in tradition with each other, and
INTRODUCTION. lxxi
In fact, the whole of this history presents a structure
so artificial, so compact, and so alike in all its features,
that it is impossible for any one, like Samson, to with-
draw any two pillars without bringing the whole edifice
about his ears, and crushing the entire bead-roll of un-
baptized monarchs beneath its ruins.
The truth is, that notwithstanding the claims of the
Irish to an early cultivation and to a knowledge of
letters in Pagan times, the art of writing was unknown
in Ireland till after the introduction of Christianity, and
written history there was none. ‘The only materials that
existed for it were poems, legends, historic tales, and
pedigrees, handed down by tradition ; and from these, ©
at -a subsequent period, when, as in all countries, the
leisure hours of monks and ecclesiastics were employed
in constructing a history of ante-Christian times, in imita-
tion of more classical histories, a highly artificial system
was by degrees constructed, embodying the substance of
traditions and myths, real facts and imaginative poems,
with bardic and monkish creations, and the whole based
upon the classical model, by which the different ethnological
elements which entered into the population of the country
were cloaked under an artificial and symbolical genealogy.
But it is not chronological history. The dates are
quite artificial, and the whole creation melts and re-
solves itself into its original elements upon investiga-
tion. The pre-Milesian colonies are found existing
with the first introduction of Chris- King Cormac Mac Art “was slain by
tianity into Ireland. Siabhras, id est, the Tuatha De Danann,
The same tract states, that the mythic for they were called Siabhras.”
lxxil INTRODUCTION.
and occupying large tracts of the country down to a
late period of the ante-Christian history. The provin- —
cial kings, when closely examined, lose their Milesian
name, and are found ruling over Firbolgs, Firdomnan
and Cruithne ; and notwithstanding that the Milesians
had been for 1600 years in possession of the country, |
and a flourishing monarchy is supposed to have ex-
isted for so long a period, we find, as late as the second
century after Christ, the Attachtuatha, as the descend-
ants of the Firbolg, Firdomnan, and Tuatha De Danann
were termed during the Milesian monarchy, in full
possession of the country for nearly a century, and in
~ close alliance with the Cruithne of Ulster ; during which
time the Milesian kings were in exile, and the process of
subjugating these tribes, supposed to be completed 1600
years before by Eremon and Eber, is again repeated by
- Tuathal teachtmhar, who arrives with an army from Alban.
The descendants of the different sons of Milesius like-
wise assume foreign characteristics. The race of hy,
son of Milesius, who possessed the whole of Ulster till
the Heremonian settlements almost within the domain
of history, are found calling themselves on all occasions
Cruithne. The descendants of Ith called themselves
Clanna Breogan, and occupy the territory where Ptolemy,
in the second century, places an offshoot of British
Brigantes. Hremon and Eber seem to represent the
northern and southern Scots distinguished by Bede, a
distinction reproduced in Conn of the hundred battles,
and Modha Nuachat.
INTRODUCTION. lxxiil
The legend of St. Patrick, too, in its present shape, is
not older than the ninth century ; and, under the influ-
ence of an investigation into older authorities, he dissolves
into three personages ; Sen-Patricius, whose day in the
calendar is the 24th August ; Palladius gui est Patricius,
to whom the mission in 432 properly belongs, and who is
said to have retired to Alban or Scotland, where he died
among the Cruithne; and Patricius, whose day is the 17th
of March, and to whom alone a certain date can be as-
signed,—for he died, in the chronological period, in the
year 493,—and from the acts of these three saints the
subsequent legend of the great apostle of Ireland was com-
piled, and an arbitrary chronology applied to it.
The Feine also, when looked at a little more closely,
emerge from under the guise of a Milesian militia, and
assume the features of a distinct race. Cuchullin, Conall
cearnach, and the children of Uisneach belong to the
race of Ir, and are Cruithne. Goll Mac Morn and
his Clanna Moirne are Firbolg ; Curigh Mac Daire and
his Clanna Deaghadh are Ernai; and though they
are called Heremonians in Irish history, yet they are
also said to be a Firbolg tribe of the same race with
the Clanna Morna ; and in the poem of Maolmura,
who died in 884, they are said to be of the race of Ith,
and, therefore, probably Britons,—a conjecture singularly
corroborated by the fact that there exists, in Welsh, a
poem on the death of Curigh Mac Daire ; and, finally,
Finn Mac Cumhal and his Clanna Baiosgne, although a
Heremonian pedigree is given to them, it 1s not the
Ixxiv INTRODUCTION.
only one known to the old Irish mss. There is a second,
deducing him from the Clanna Deaghaidh, the same race
with that of Curigh Mac Daire ; and a third, and pro-
bably the oldest, states that he was of the Ui Tairsigh, and
that they were of the Attachtuatha, as the descendants
of the non-Milesian tribes were called, a fact corroborated
by Maolmura, who says—
Six tribes not of pees s people
Who hold lands,
The Gabhraighe Succa, Uz Tairsigh,
Galeons of eeren
The fact is, when the fictitious catalooue of Milesian
kings was extended over so many centuries, and the
Milesian monarchy drawn back to so remote a period,
it became necessary to account for the appearance of
non-Milesian races in the old traditional stories, and
they were either clothed with a Milesian name and
pedigree, or some device hit upon to account for their
separate existence; and thus the Feinne, a pre-Milesian
warrior race they could not account for, appear under
the somewhat clumsy guise of a standing body of Milesian
militia, having peculiar privileges and strange customs.
The Inmish Ossianic poems, as well as those in the
Dean’s Ms., indicate that the Feinne were not a body of
troops confined to Ireland, but belonged, whoever they
were, to a much wider extent of territory.
Thus, the poem on the battle of Gabhra, published in
the first volume of the Transactions of the Ossianic
Society—a battle in which Oscar the son of Ossian was
‘_——~s ee, 7
INTRODUCTION. lxxv
slain, and the Feinne from all oe took Papeete find
the following verses :
The bands of the Fians of Alban,
And the supreme King of Breatan,
Belonging to the order of the Feinne of Alban,
Joined us in that battle.
The Fians of Lochlin were powerful.
From the chief to the leader of nine men,
They mustered along with us
To share in the struggle.
Again—
Boinne, the son of Breacal, exclaimed,
With quickness, fierceness, and valour,—
I and the Fians of Breatan,
Will be with Oscar of EKamhain.
There were thus in this battle, besides Femne of Erin,
Feinne of Alban, Breatan, and Lochlan.
Alba or Alban was Scotland, north of the Firths of
Forth and Clyde.
Breatan was not Wales, but the southern districts of
Scotland, of which Dunbreatan, now Dumbarton, was the
chief seat.
Lochlan was the north of Germany, extending from
the Rhine to the Elbe ;!} and the name of Lochlanach
was originally applied to the ancient traditionary pirates
termed the Fomorians. When the Norwegian and Dan-
ish pirates appeared in the ninth century, they were like-
1A passage in one of the oldest ofthemss.,
deposited in the Library of the Faculty
of Advocates, shows that the term Loch-
lan was anciently applied to the districts
east of the Rhine. ‘‘ Coesar came with
some entire legions of the ruthless youth
of Italy into the rough land of Gallia,
and the wide and long country of Loch-
lain. For these are one and the same
country; but for the interposition of
the clear current of the Rhine, which
divides and sunders the two lands.”
Ixxvi INTRODUCTION.
wise called Lochlanach ; and the name of Lochlan was
transferred to Norway and Denmark, from whence they
came. ‘There is every reason to believe that the Low
German race were preceded, in the more ancient Lochlan,
by a Celtic people.
The Feinne then belonged to the pre-Milesian races,
and were connected, not only with Erin, but likewise
with Alban, Breatan, and Lochlan. Now, there are just
two people mentioned in the Irish records who had
settlements in Ireland, and who yet were connected with
Alban, Breatan, and Lochlan. These were the people
termed the Tuatha De Danann, and the Cruithne.
The traditionary migration of the Tuatha De Danann
brings them from Lochlan, where they possessed four
cities, to Alban, where they inhabited a district termed
Dobhar and Jr Dobhar; and from thence they went to
_ Erin, where they drove out the Firbolg, to be subdued
in their turn by the Milesian Scots.
The Cruithne are likewise brought from Lochlan to
Erin and from Erin to Alban, where they founded a king-
dom, which included, till the seventh century, the Cruithne
of Ulster, and which was subverted in the ninth century
by the Milesian Scots. .
These two tribes were thus the prior race in each
country. Both must have been prior to the Low German
population of Lochlan. The Cruithne were the race
prior to the Scots in Alban, and the Tuatha de Dannan the
prior colony to the Milesian Scots in Erm. The Feinne
are brought by all the old historic tales into close contact
INTRODUCTION. Ixxvil
with the Tuatha De Danann ; a portion of them were
avowedly Cruithne ; and if they were, as we have seen,
in Erin, not of the Milesian race, but of the prior popu-
lation, and likewise connected with Alban, Breatan, and
Lochlan, the inference is obvious, that, whether a deno-
mination for an entire people or for a body of warriors,
they belonged to the previous population which preceded
the Germans in Lochlan and the Scots in Erin and Alban.
This view is corroborated by the fact, that in the old
poems and tales the Feinne appear, as we have said, in
close connexion with the Tuatha De Danann. They are
likewise connected with the Cruithne, as in the Lamen-
tation of Cuchullin over the body of his son Conlaoch, in
Miss Brooke’s collection, where he says—
Alas! that it was not in the land of the Cruithne
Of the Feinne bloody and fierce,
That thou didst fall, active youth,
Or in the gloomy land of Sorcha.
While the traditions of the Cruithne, in narrating their
migration and the names of their leaders, mention, as the
mythic poet of their race, a name singularly like that of
Ossian—
Cathmolodar the hardknobbed,
And Cathmachan the bright,
Were glorious youths ;
The two valiant sons of Cathluan,
His hardy puissant champions ;
Heavy, stern was their trampling,
Cing victorious in his victory.
Im, son of Pernn, were their names ;
Ixxvili INTRODUCTION.
Huasein was the name of his poet,
Who sought out the path of pleasantry.
In answering, then, the preliminary questions of who were
the Feinne ? and to what period do they belong ? we may
fairly infer that they were of the population who imme-
- diately preceded the Scots in Erin and in Alban, and that
they belong to that period in the history of both countries,
before a political separation had taken place between
them, when they were viewed as parts of one territory,
though physically separated, and when a free and unre-
strained intercourse took place between them; when race
and not territory was the great bond of association, and
the movements of their respective populations from one
country to the other were not restrained by any feeling
of national separation.
It was natural that the deeds and events connected
with this warrior race, associated as they must have
been with the physical features of the country in which
they dwelt, should have formed the subject of the early
poems and legendary tales of their successors, and that a
body of popular poetry should have sprung up in each
country, which occupied itself with adventures, expedi-
tions, and feats of bravery of this previous race, which
were common to both countries, and which, attributed to
their mythic poets, and full of the names of heroes, and of
the scenes of their exploits, would be appropriated by the
bards of each country to their own districts. The names
of the places connected in tradition with these events
would, as they were localized in the respective countries,
2
4
‘
INTRODUCTION. lxxix
be identified with its scenery and physical features, and
thus a species of Fenian topography would spring up in
each country, which, having a common origin, would
bear the same character, and possess a mutual resem-
blance. Hach country would thus claim the Feinne as
their exclusive property, and could point toa body of
popular Ossianic poetry in support of their claim, and
to the Fenian names of their localities, in proof of the
events which form the subject of the poems having there
occurred,
The allusions to Fingal in the older Scottish historians
who wrote long before Macpherson’s Ossian appeared, or
the controversy arose, show that stories of the Feinne
were current in Scotland, and that they were regarded
as belonging to this country as much as to Ireland, while
the Fenian names of localities in charters and other docu-
ments-evince that a Fenian topography likewise existed
in Scotland before that period.’
1 It is unnecessary here to repeat these
references. They will be found in the
Report of the Highland Society, page 21.
The quotation from Barbour shows
that the name of Fingal was known long
before the time of Macpherson; and as
most Gaelic proper names had a corre-
sponding name in English which resem-
bled it in sound, and was held to repre-
sent it, as Hector for Eachin, or Hugh for
Aodh, it is not unlikely that Fingal may
have been known as the recognised
representative in English of Finn.
In fact, Finn and Fingal are both real
names, and closely related to each other.
Gal is a syllable of unknown origin
and meaning, which enters largely into
the composition of Gaelic proper names.
Thus we have Aedgal, Aelgal, Angal,
Ardgal, Artgal, Bodgal, Comgal, Con-
gal, Donngal, Dubhgal, Dungal, Fear-
gal, Fingal, Gormgal, Leargal, Maengal,
Riagal, Saergal, Smiorgal. Some also
take the form of galach ; as Congalach,
Dungalach, Fiangalach, Irgalach.
Those in which the first syllable ex-
presses a colour appear both alone and
with the affix ga/, as Dubh and Dubhgal,
Finn and Finngal, and are really the
same name. The annals of the Four
Masters mention several persons of the
name of Finn, and, in 741, Finghal of
Lismore.
lxxx INTRODUCTION.
Kirke, in his Psalter, published in 1684, adds the fol-
lowing address :—
Imthigh a Dhuilleachan gu dan,
Le dan glan diagha duisgiad thall ;
Cuir failte arfonn fial nab fionn,
Ar-gharbh chriocha is Inseadh Gall.
That is,—
Little volume go boldly forth,
Rouse whom you reach to pure and godly strains ;
Hail the generous land of the Feinne,
The Roughbounds and the Western Isles.
The Roughbounds were the districts from Morvaren to
Glenelg, which, with the Isles, are thus called the land of
the Feinne.
The districts in which the Fenian names enter most
largely into the topography of the Highlands are Atholl,
Lochaber, Lorn, and Morvaren, Glenelg, and the districts
about Loch Ness; and the antiquity of this topography in
the Highlands of Scotland is proved by an old gloss toa
charter by Alexander the Second to the monks of Kin-
loss of the lands of Burgyn, within the ancient Celtic
province of Moray, which is preserved in the Chartulary
of the Bishopric. The boundary of the lands passes by a
place called Tuber na Fein, meaning literally the well of
the Feinne, and the gloss is “ or feyne, of the grett or
kempis men callit ffenis, is ane well.”
Cuchullin was of the race of the Cruithne, and belongs
both to Ulster and to Scotland. In Ulster his seat was
Dundealgan, and the scene of his exploits the district of
Spas eee ee
INTRODUCTION. lxxxi
Cuailgne and the mountains of Sleave Cuillin ; but even
Irish tradition admits that he was reared by Sgathaig, in
the Isle of Skye, and here we have Dunsgathaig and the
Cuillin Hills. Siri
The children of Uisneach were likewise Cruithne, and
must have preceded the Scots, for the great scene of their
Scotch adventures are the districts of Lorn, Loch Aw, and
Cowall, afterwards the possessions of the Dalriadic Scots;
thus, in the vicinity of Oban, we have Dun mbhic
Uisneachan, now corruptly called in guide-books Dun
mac Sniachan, a fort with vitrified remains; and here we
have on Loch Etive, Glen Uisneach, and Suidhe Deard-
huil. The names of the three sons of Uisneach were
Ainle, Ardan, and Naoise; and it is remarkable that
| Adomnan, in his life of St. Columba, written in the
seventh century, appears to mention only three localities
in connexion with St. Columba’s journey to the palace of
the king of the Picts, near Loch Ness, and these are
Cainle, Arcardan, and the flumen Nesae. ‘Two vitrified
forts in the neighbourhood of Lochness are called Dun-
deardhuil.!
The hunt of Diarmed O’Duine after the boar on Ben-
gulbain, and his death by measuring his length against
the bristles, enters into Scotch topography in three differ-
ent localities; in Glenshee, where there is a hill called
Bengulbain, also in Glenroy, where we have also a Bengul-
1Tt is remarkable that the ancient neachan, and Dundheardhuil, are all
legends of Cuchullin and the sons of vitrified forts, and the latter is a common
Uisneach connect them with those re- name for them. There is probably a
markable structures termed vitrified | mythic meaning under this.
forts. Dun Scathaig, Dun mhic: UVis-
“gy
lxxxii INTRODUCTION.
bain and an Eassroy, and also on the south bank of Loch
Ness. Daire donn, who appears in the Cath Finntragha
identified by the Irish with Ventry, has also deposited
his name on a mountain in Ardgour, close to the west
sea, called Meall Dayre donn.
The mountain streams and lakes in these districts of ©
the Highlands are everywhere redolent of names con-
nected with the heroes and actions of the Feinne, and
show that a body of popular legends connected with
them, whether in poetry or in prose, preserved by oral
recitation or committed to writing, must have existed in
the country when this topography sprung up, though it
does not follow that the events, though now associated
with the scenery of the country, originally happened there
any more than does the Fenian topography of Ireland.
These legendary poems and tales seem to have passed
- through three different stages. |
In the first and oldest form they were pure poems, of
more or less excellence, narrating the adventures and
deeds of these warrior bands, whose memory still lingered
in the country ; each poem being complete in itself, and
constructed upon a metrical system which brought the aid
of alliteration and of rhyme, or correspondence of sounds,
to assist the memory in retaining what had been received
by oral recitation, and to render it less easy to forget or
lose a part. These poems seem generally to have been
attributed to one mythic poet of the race they celebrate.
Then, as the language in which these poems were com-
posed became altered or modified, or as the reciters were
INTRODUCTION. lxxxlil
less able to retain the whole, they would narrate, in ordi-
nary prose, the events of the part of the poem they had
forgotten, and merely recite the poetry of what they re- _
collected ; and thus they would pass into the second stage
of prose tales, interspersed with fragments of poetry.
Bards who were themselves composers as well as re-
citers, besides composing poems on the subjects of the
day in which they lived, would likewise select the Fenian
legends as their themes, and become imitators of the older
Ossianic poetry. The prose narrative would form the
basis of their poem ; and thus would arise the third stage
of their poems, in which they were reconstructed from
the prose tales, and again appear as long poems, the |
names and incidents being the same as in the older
poems, and the fragments of them preserved in the prose
tale, imbedded in the new poem.
The poems of the first stage were probably common
to Ireland and to Scotland, and traces of them are to be
found wherever the Feinne were supposed to have once
existed ; though, in countries where their successors were
of a different race, and spoke a different language, the
continuity of the tradition would be at once broken. |
Among the ancient poems in the Welsh language which
have been preserved, there exists an Ossianic poem called
Marwnad Coire map Daire, or the death-song of Curoi,
son of Daire, the traditionary head, according to Irish
history, of the Fenian militia of Munster, but who, as
we have seen, appears to belong to the body called the
Feinne of Breatan ; and the poem, no doubt, belongs to the
Ixxxiv INTRODUCTION.
northern Cumbrian kingdom, which had Dunbreatan
for its chief seat. Curoi is called Chief of the Southern
Sea, and the contest between him and Cuchullin is men-
tioned." s
Poems of the same character seem also to have been
known in the Isle of Man, as O’Connor, in his cata-
logue of the Stow MS., mentions a Ms. containing “ Finn
and Ossian,—a Manx coronach, with Manx on one side
of the page, and Irish on the other.” —
The oldest which has been found in any Mss. pre-
served in the Highlands is a poem of five quatrains, at
the end of a glossary contained in a MS. written prior
to the year 1500. It is in old Gaelic, and there is an
interlineal gloss, explaining the meaning of the expres-
sions In more familiar language. At the end there isa
line stating that Ossian was the author of the poem.
It may be not uninteresting to insert here the text of
the poem, with its glosses :—
i. do chedladar mo shuile
Tuilsither mo dherca suain
i. mo sleagh .i. mo sgiath
mo ruibhne mum luibhne ar lo
i. mo cladhiomh um dhorn
mo ghenam um dhuais ro bhaoi
i. mo dhorn fam chluais
agus mo dhuais fam o
ji. aislinge .i. tarla
Adhbhul fisi ar mo ta
1. dar leiges .i, mo chu
dar cinnius go dian mo chuib
1 This poem, witt a translation, is given in the Additional Notes, pp. 143, 144.
INTRODUCTION. Ixxxv
i. ar mhuic
ar criobhais a leirg ar art
i, saill go fiacuil a carbui
fo cheird bracht go feic a cuil
i. throigh ji. gun broigh
Triocha treathan damh gun naibh
.l. go moing a srona
iona taoibh go a tul moing tuinn
i. orladh Jj. na fiacuil
Triocha nena Finn na feic
i. a sa cionn amach
asseicsi tuas re fa thuinn
-i. coimed re coire gach sul di
Meidis re habhron a dhere
meidis re mes afert fo
.i. tesgus mo cladhiomh a muineal
Sealus mo ghenam a muin
i. mo chu as a cluais
agus mo chuibh as a ho
i. muic
Criobais mhara Tallann tair
.i ria cloic ris ambenann tonn
benus ria hail tairges thu
i. mo bhoill as comairce diob nert
mo leo uam fhaosamh domniadh
J. ni lag mar tu
mar tusa ni triath mar tu
Oisin ro chan ann sin attraigh mara tallann.
ar nia na muice.
TRANSLATION.
My eyes slumbered in sleep,
My spear was with my shield,
My sword was in my hand,
And my hand under my ear.
Ixxxvi
INTRODUCTION.
A strange dream happened to me,
I set swiftly my dogs
On a sow in the plain upon flesh.
She was fat to the tusk in her jaw,
Thirty feet for me with my shoes
In her side to the beard of her snout.
Thirty inches for Finn in her tusk
Fat above on her under her hide.
Large as a caldron was each eye,
Large as a vessel the hollow beneath.
My sword hewed in her neck,
And my dogs fixed on her ear.
Sow of the sea of eastern Tallann,
Which strikes the rock where the wave touches.
My limbs were to me a protection to me strong,
As thyself not weak like thee.
Ossian sung this at the shore of the sea of Tallann,
for the champion of the sow.’
The tales of Cuchullin and Conlaoch, and the tale of the
Sons of Uisneach, are good specimens of the second class.
The latter is one of three tales, called the Three Woes,
the two others relating to families of the Tuatha De
Danann ; but though these tales may be Ivish, and of this
1 'The scene of this poem is in Scotland,
the sea of Tallann being said to be in the
east, and it must have been written in
Scotland, as the accent is placed on the
first syllable of the name Oisin.
The Highlanders call a whale mic
mhara, and, from the description, this
creature appears to have been a whale.
On communicating this curious poem
to Professor O’Curry, he informs me that
there is a copy of it in the Book of Lein-
ster, an MS. of the thirteenth century.
The text is the same, but the glosses a
little different.
I may take this opportunity of calling
attention to Professor O’Curry’s admir-
able Lectures on the Ms. literature of Ire-
land, just published. They are most
interesting and instructive, and for the
masterly and complete survey taken of
the subject, as well as for accurate and
minute detail, they are almost unex-
ampled in the annals of literature. They
will well repay perusal.
INTRODUCTION. Ixxxvli
period, they contains fragments of poems probably much
older, and which may have been derived from another
source. One of the poems in the tale of the Children of
Uisneach contains such a tender recollection of and
touching allusion to Highland scenery, that it is hardly
possible to suppose that it was not originally composed
by a genuine son of Alban.
It is the lament of Deirdre or Darthula over Alban,
and the following is a translation :—
Beloved land that Eastern land,
Alba, with its wonders.
O that I might not depart from it,
But that I go with Naise.
Beloved is Dunfidhgha and Dun Finn ;
Beloved the Dun above them ;
Beloved is Innisdraighende,
And beloved Dun Suibhne.
Coillchuan! O Coillchuan!
Where Ainnle would, alas! resort ;
Too short, I deem, was then my stay
With Ainnle in Oirir Alban.
Glenlaidhe ! O Glenlaidhe !
I used to sleep by its soothing murmur ;
Fish, and flesh of wild boar and badger
Was my repast in Glenlaidhe.
Glenmasan ! O Glenmasan ;
High its herbs, fair its boughs.
Solitary was the place of our repose
On grassy Invermasan.
lxxxviil
INTRODUCTION.
Gleneitche ! O Gleneitche !
There was raised my earliest home.
Beautiful its woods on rising,
When the sun struck on Gleneitche.
Glen Urchain ! O Glen Urchain!
It was the straight glen of smooth ridges.
- Not more joyful was a man of his age
Than Naoise in Glen Urchain.
Glendaruadh ! O Glendaruadh !
My love each man of its inheritance.
Sweet the voice of the cuckoo on bending bough,
On the hill above Glendaruadh,
Beloved is Draighen and its sounding shore ;
Beloved the water o’er pure sand.
O that I might not depart from the east,
But that I go with my beloved !*
The third class of Ossianic poems belongs principally
to that period when, during the sway of the Lords of
the Isles, Irish influence was so much felt on the language
and literature of the Highlands, and when the Highland
bards and sennachies were trained in bardic schools, pre-
sided over by Irish bards of eminence. It was at this
period mainly that the Irish poems assumed so much the
shape of a dialogue between the Ossianic poets and St.
1 The oldest copy of this tale, which Dun Suibhne, Castle Sween; Glen-
was the foundation of Macpherson’s
Darthula, is in the Glenmasan Ms., in
the collection in the Advocates’ Library,
which bears the date of 1238, and this
translation is made from it.
The scenery is all in Argyllshire.
Inis Draighen is Inistry nich in Loch-awe ;
laidhe is now called Glenlochy, where
is Benlaoidhe ; Glenmasan still bears
the name; Gleneitche, in another copy
called Loch Eitche, is Glenetive and
Loch Etive ; Glenurchain is Glenurchay ;
and Glendaruadh is now called Glen-
daruail.
_ INTRODUCTION. lxxxix
Patrick, the apostle of Ireland ; and the Highland bards
imitated this form, often adding or prefixing a few sen-
tences of such dialogue to older poems, or composing
poems in imitation of Ossian in this form; but the imi-
tation, in this respect, of Irish poems by native bards
is apparent from this, that Patrick is in the Irish
poems correctly called Mac Calphurn or M‘Alphurn, his
father, according to his own “ Confessio,” having been
Calphurnius, but the Highland bards, to whom Patrick’s
history was strange, and this epithet unintelligible, have
substituted the peculiarly Scotch form of Alpine, and
styled him Patrick Mac Alpine.
One of the poems in Macpherson’s fragments has been
one of these—the sixth fragment,—which begins and ends
with a dialogue between Ossian and the son of Alpin.
It was at the same period that the collection of Gaelic
poems was made by the Dean of Lismore, and it includes
many poems in which this dialogue occurs, but in most
the saint is termed Macalpine, showing its non-Irish
source. :
The Ossianic poems in this collection attributed to
Ossian, Fergus Filidh, and Caoilte, the three Fenian bards,
and those which are either anonymous or composed by
imitators, as Gillecalum Mac an Olla and Allan Mac
Ruadhri, with the other poems which are not Ossianic,
afford a fair specimen of the poetic literature current in
the Highlands of Scotland at the close of this period,
and before the fall of the Lords of the Isles, and the
Reformation again severed that country from Ireland,
XC INTRODUCTION,
and ushered in a period of reaction and return towards
the native dialect and literature. |
On the whole, then, we fully admit the claims of Ire-
land to Fenian legends and tales, and their attendant
poems, but not to an exclusive possession of them.
We admit that its Fenian topography is authentic,
but it is not the only one.
We admit its claim to an early written and cultivated
speech, but not to the only dialect of Gaelic in which
such poems once existed.
We hold that Scotland possesses likewise Fenian
legends and Ossianic poetry derived from an independent
source, and a Fenian topography equally genuine ; and we
consider her dialect of the common Gaelic tongue not
undeserving of the attention of philologers.
CONTENTS OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE’S MS.
Norre.—The figures on the left hand refer to the pages in the original ms. ; and those added on
the right—to the poems selected for publication—refer to the pages in this volume where
the translation and the original text will be found.
P. of Ms. Eng. Gaelic.
5.
The first four pages illegible.
Earl Gerald. 6 lines. Indistinct.
. Author’s name defaced. 38 lines on John, son of Sir Robert
Stewart. Illegible.
. Duncan M‘Dougall Maoil. Quatrain on John, son of Colin
Campbell.
. Anonymous. Obscure—apparently on O’Ruark. 34 lines.
10. Duncan Campbell.. 12 lines. Satire on Women.
11. Earl Gerald. 6 lines. Indistinct.
11. Duncan O’Daly. 6 lines. Religious.
12. fynn O’Daly. 88 lines. Religious.
15. Anonymous. 20 lines. Indistinct.
16. Cochondach Mac Thearlaich bhuidh. 65 lines. On Irish
Chiefs,
19. Muireach Albanach. 14 lines, . : ; : ; 157 120 121
19. Do. 8 lines, eke es 158 120 121
20. Muireach Lessin Dall O’Daly. 60 lines. Counsels to Chiefs.
23. Duncan Mor from Lennox. 10 lines, . ‘ , ‘ 93 68 69
23. Gilchrist Taylor. 32 lines, . ; ‘ : ‘ ; 93 68 69
25. Anonymous. Ossianic. 14 lines, ‘ ‘ ; i Tis 60 5%
26. Do. 15 lines. TIllegible.
27. Six lines in Latin on the Scotch Kings.
27. Scotch. <A legal deed.
27. Dean’s Autograph. Vide Fac-simile, inserted at p. xcvi.
27. Anonymous. A Quatrain.
28. Duncan M‘Dougall Maoil. 9 lines.
28. Gilliecallum Mac an Ollaimh. On the Macdonalds, ‘ 95 70 71
30. Anonymous. 31 lines. An Ursgeul, or Tale.
X¢ell
CONTENTS OF THE
P. of Ms. Eng.
v 31. Ossian. 8 lines. The houscholdof Finn, . . . 1
32. Anonymous. 36 lines. On M‘Glass M‘Gluaire.
33. Do. 23 lines. Satire on Women.
35. Dougall. Dialogue with his Wedder.
36. Anonymous. 33 lines. Eulogy on a Lady.
37. Duncan M‘Cailein. 16 lines.
38. Scotch. The three perilous days in each season.
39. M‘Eachag. On John M‘Leod, 3 , ; ; : 140
41. John Mor O’Daly. 84 lines. On Tuathal Teachdmhar.
44, Anonymous. Note on the hanging of Cochrane in 1480.
45. Do. 14 lines. OnConall M‘Scanlan, . 98
48. Notes of purchases in Perth, etc., in Scotch.
48. Lines on Marriage, in Scotch.
_ 49. Anonymous. 18 lines. Indistinct.
J 50. Ossian. A Lament, ‘ ; 3
51. Maoldonaich M‘Aonghuis Mhuilich. 50 ane “To the Virgin
Mary.
53. Gorrie Finn O’Daly. 30 lines. In praise of Gormlay.
54. Gilliepatrick M‘Lachlan. A Quatrain.
55. John of Knoydart. On O’Cairbar, ; - ; 99
55. Gormlay Ni Fhlainn. Lament for Nial Glandubl; »» 100
56. Nial M‘Eoghain bhig. A Quatrain.
57. Gormlay Ni Fhlainn. Lament for Nial Glundubh, : 101
57. Anonymous. 30 lines. On Tabblisk (Tables).
58. Do. A Quatrain, . ‘ : ‘ ; : 104
59. Do. Bitar ds “lee. a i te ee
59. Phelim M‘Dougall. Aphorisms, . . . a? 102
60. Anonymous. A Quatrain, . : : , : : 108
61. John M‘Murrich, . : ; ; , : , . 108
62. William M‘Lachlan. <A Quatrain.
62. Gormlay Ni Fhlainn, . : ; . ; ‘ 118
* 63. Ossian. “ Sliabh nam ban fionn,” * : : : 4
64. Duncan M‘Dougall Maoil. <A Quatrain.
64. Duncan M‘Pherson, eee : é A emails |,
64. Anonymous.
65. Gille Thuirse O’Sluabhainn. 57 lines. Indistinct.
68. Anonymous. Aphorisms, ° ‘ : : : ° 104
68. Earl Gerald. A Satire, ; ; ‘ ; i ; 105
69. Andrew M‘Intosh, : : : ; , ; : 106
70. The Bard M ‘Tntyre, ; : ; 107
Gaelic.
a)
106 109
72 73
2°) 3
72 73
74 75
74 75
78 79
76 77
76 77
82 83
82 83
go or
4 5
82 83
78 «79
78 79
80 81
80 81
DEAN OF LISMORE’ MS. X¢elil
P. of Ms. Eng. Gaelic.
71. Allan M‘Dougall bain. 32 lines. A Satire on Women.
73. Astronomical Notes.
73. Colin Earl of Argyle. 12 lines. Satire on Women.
74, Notes of purchases in Dunkeld, etc. |
75. Anonymous. 49 lines. On Muircheartach, an Ulster Prince.
77. Scotch. Satirical. 13 lines.
77. Two anonymous Quatrains.
78. List of Scottish Kings, from Boece.
84. Eoin M‘Dhunchaidh Ruaidh. 12 lines. Indistinct. |
85. Anonymous. On Alexander the Great, : ' : 110 84 85
87. Song of the Three Brothers. 32 lines. Moral.
88. Gerald. 6lines. A Satire on Women. Snag
88. Fearchar M‘Phadruig Grannd (Grant). 6 lines. Do.
88. John M‘Murrich. A Quatrain, . ‘ :
89. Duncan M‘Pherson. 4 lines. On Eoin Riabhaich.
91. List of Names. Genealogical. Robert ‘‘ clarsair Leoid,”
“harper of Lude,” among them.
112 84 85
No number. Fragments on Astrology, etc.
. “4 93. Ossian. ‘‘ Cath Fionntraigh,”’ ; ‘ P :
97..Anonymous. 81 lines. On M‘Ricard of Connaught.
101. Duncan Mor O'Daly. 26 lines. On Cathal’s Belt.
103. Finlay, the red-haired bard. M‘Gregor’s Horse, . ‘ 112 84 85
104. Do. do. On M‘Gregor, ; 114 86 87
106. Teague dg O’Huggin. 49 lines. Religious.
106. Sir Duncan M‘Kermont. 20 lines. Satire on Women.
109. Duncan M‘Cailein. Ona Miser, . . : ‘ : 116 88 89
111. Do. - Satire on Donald donn. 14 lines.
112. Dermod O’Heffernan. 36 lines. An Eulogy.
113. Muireach Albanach. A Quatrain.
~ 114. Ossianic. “ Am brat,” tS oe epee Siok ae 2-4 gar ge
115. Eoin Liath M‘Aonghuis. 6 lines.
117, Author’s name defaced. 80 lines. Indistinct. On John Lord
of the Isles.
120. Gilchrist Taylor. 48 lines. An Ecclesiastical Legend.
122. Duncan Mor O’Daly. 36 lines. Do.
124. Gorry finn O’Daly. 44 lines. On O’Brien.
/ 126. Ossian. “Feeble this Nigh . : ‘ : 13! YO° VEE
| 128. Earl Gerald. On Death. 27 lines.
, 129. Duncan M‘Cabe. On the Macdougalls, . i 119 go gt
130. John M‘Ewen M‘Eacharn. Do. 7 ‘ ‘ z 121° 92°93
XClVv CONTENTS OF THE
P. of Ms. Eng. Gaelic.
133. Caoilte M‘Ronan, . : ; ‘ , . , . 62 42 43
141. Continuation from page 215, Roce Ae ‘ : P 122 123
143. Finlay M‘Nab. On the Book of Poems, ‘ SE” 125 94 95
144, Earl Gerald. 6 lines.
144, Genealogy of Writer, and date 1512, . ; ‘ , 161 124 125
145. Fergus the Bard. ‘‘ Rosg Ghuill,” : . phil 43 28 29
147. Allan M‘Rory. ‘“ Bas Dhiarmaid,”’ , : : s 30 20 21
148. Eafric M‘Corquodale. Elegy on M'‘Niel, ; . ‘ 126 96 97
149. Duncan M‘Cailein. 16 lines.
150. Muireach Albanach. 81 lines. Hymn to the Virgin.
153. Gilchrist Bruilingeach, bard an Lymin. 48 lines.
155. Dougall M‘Ghille ghlais. 48 lines. On M‘Gregor, ° 128 98 99
157. Duncan Campbell, the good knight. 12 lines.
158. Gillepatrick M‘Lachlan. 78 lines. On James, son of John.
Indistinct.
161. Anonymous. 14 lines. A Lament.
161. Do. The Clans. : : : : : ‘ 131 100 1o1
163. Notes on Adam’s Family.
/ 164. Ossianic. The Expedition of Eight, . ‘ ; ; 74 «5253
165. Gorry finn. 21 lines. Moral.
166. Teague Og. 72 lines. Religious.
170. Robert M‘Lamont “a Gassgaitr.”” 16 lines. Moral.
V 171. Ossianic. ‘ Binn guth,” ; . 80 58 59
171. Date 12th February 1526. Indiction 15. 4th year r of Pope
~ Clement vu.
171. Anonymous. 6 lines.
vy 172. Ossianic. The Banners of the Feinn, . ‘ . : 76 54 «$5
JATS. Dow “Which is the sweetest Music ?” : : 80 58 59
¥174. Do. Finn’s Feast, ; : ; 82 60 61
176. Anonymous. A Quatrain on “ Ruaraidh ee eee -
t7is. ~ Do: 20 lines. On a Harp.
179. Baron Ewin M‘Comie. On Sickness, . ; : ; 133 102 103
179. Ossian. ‘‘ Here I saw the Feinn,”’ . é : 6 15. 10-098
-
181. Fili fuge ebrietatem.
181. Three Quatrains. The authors of two, Andrew M‘Intosh and
Gillespick M‘Niel.
182. Latin Genealogy of our Lord.
183. Scotch. The divisions of Ireland.
184. Verses in Scotch.
185. Physiological Notes in Latin.
ence
DEAN OF LISMORE’ MS.
P. of Ms. kng.
185. Et ego Jacobus Gregorii.
186. Chronicle in Latin, beginning with the death of Malcom
Kenmore.
199. Measurements of Noah’s Ark. |
199. Domhnull liath M‘Dhughaill Mhic Grigoir. 62 lines. Satire.
202. Duncan Campbell, the good knight. 26 lines. On Old Age.
204. Author’s name wanting. To Archibald Earl of Argyle, 134
208. Dunchadh M‘Dhughaill Mhaoil. The M‘Gregors, gs EST
209. Mac Gille Fhiontaig, the poet. The M‘Gregors, . : 141
212. Ossianic. Dialogue with St. Patrick, . 5 a ans 84
215. Ossian. ‘‘ Urnuidh Oisiain,” ° ; : 17
216. Finlay, the red-haired bard. On Allan M‘Ruarie, ; 143
217. Two Quatrains by Finlay M‘Nab.
217. Anonymous. On the M‘Leods of Lewis, ‘ ‘ ; 146
219. Latin Notes.
¥ 290, Ossian. ‘‘ Fainesoluis,” - , , ‘ : 20
223. Dunchadh M‘Dhughaill Mhaoil. 29 lines. Satire.
225. Duncan Campbell. 12 lines. Satire on Women.
225. Anonymous. 6 lines.
226. Gillebride beag M‘Conmidhe. 85 lines. On M‘Eachain.
230. Fergus the bard. ‘‘ Cath Ghabhra,” . . ; ‘ 48
232. Allan M‘Rory. ‘‘ Cath Ghabhra,”’ p ; . 35
236. Gilliecallum Mac an Ollaimh. ‘‘ Bas Chonlaoich,” ; 50
239. Duncan Og. The Seven Mortal Sins, ° 155
240. Gilliecallum Mac an Ollaimh. On John Lord of he Isles, 148
242. Genealogy of Malcom Kenmore.
244, Gilchrist Bruilingeach, bard an Lymin. 48 lines. On Irish
Chiefs.
246. Turn O’Meilchonor. 84 lines. On Irish Chiefs.
249. Quatrain by Finlay the red.
250. Fragments. Two lines on St. Patrick.
251. Contissa Ergadien, Isabella. 8 lines.
251. Duncan Campbell, the good knight. On Priests.
252. Teague dg O’Huggin. 63 lines. On the Cross.
255. Muireach Albanach. 111 lines. Do.
260. Teague dg O’Huggin. 92 lines. Religious.
263. Arthur dall M‘Gurkich. Attack on Castle Sween, . 151
266. The Bard M‘Intyre. A Ship on Loch Rannoch.
267. M‘Pherson. 28 lines.
269. O’Meilchonor. 51 lines. On Nial frasach.
XCV
Gaelic.
102 103
104. 105
108 109
62 63
12 33
110 III
112 113
14 15
347/33
ZA 085
34 35
128 129
II2 113
116 117
XCV1
807. Muireach Albanach. A Lament. 98 lines. Indistinct.
CONTENTS OF THE LISMORE MS.
P. of Ms.
271. Gilchrist Taylor. 36 lines. Moral.
271. M‘Cailein mor, id est, Cailean maith. An Epigram.
273. Duncan dg Albanach. 37 lines. A Dream.
275. Gilchrist Taylor. 62 lines. On the Host.
278. Gille glas Mac an Taileir. 48 lines. On M‘Gregor.
_ 279. Earl Gerald. 10 lines.
~ 280. Ossianic. The Greatness of the Feinn,
281. Finlay the red. 26 lines. On M‘Gregor.
282. The Bard M‘Intyre. 26 lines.
284. Muireach Albanach. A Prayer,
285. Isabella Ni vic Cailein. 6 lines.
286. Anonymous. 36 lines. Indistinct.
287. Ossianic, ; : ;
291. Latin. The Ages of the World.
292. Isabella Ni vic Cailein,
, 298, Teague 6g O’Huggin. 26 lines.
/ 294. Ossian. Eulogy on Finn, ‘ : ;
296. Duncan mor O’Daly. 54 lines. To the Virgin.
301. An caoch O’Cluain. ‘ Fraoch,”’
303. Earl Gerald. 20 lines.
304. Finlay, the red-haired bard. 39 lines. On M/‘Diarmad.
Illegible.
306. Duncan M‘Cailein. 8 lines.
307. Anonymous. 15 lines. Indistinct.
Eng.
87
159
88
155
26
54
Gaelic.
64 65
122 123
64 65
118 119
18 19
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OF DEAN JM'GREGOR
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THE BOOK OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
THE author of this is Ossian,! the son of Finn :?
I’ve seen the household of Finn.
No men were they of coward race.
I saw by my side a vision
Of the hero’s household yesterday.
! The name of this poet has given rise
to some controversy between the Scotch
and Irish Gael. By the latter it is pro-
nounced Ozsin, the accent falling on the
last syllable ; by the former it is pro-
nounced Ossian, the accent falling on the
first. Dean M‘Gregor spells the word
sometimes Ossan, but usually Ossin. It
is manifest from the use of the ss that he
intends the accent to fall upon the first
syllable, according to the Scottish mode.
The Scottish pronunciation would ap-
pear to have been the same in his days
asnow. This form of the word we have
retained in our translation. We do not
mean to institute any comparison be-
tween the Irish and Scottish mode. The
difference clearly arises from the pecu-
liarity of each dialect, the Irish almost
uniformly, in words of two syllables,
laying the accent on the last, and the
Scottish upon the first syllable.
2 The Dean’s Finn is the Fingal
of some writers. ‘* Fionn,” pronounced
** Fiiighn,” genitive, ‘‘ Fhinn,” pro-
nounced ‘‘Ighn,” is the present Scottish
and Irish form of thé word, and we have
preserved this in M‘Gregor’s own ortho-
graphy. Scottish writers have, however,
been unjustly accused of manufacturing
the term ‘‘ Fingal.” It is not, as some
Irish scholars have maintained, a mo-
dern corruption of Fin mac Cuil, but a
word known and in use for centuries.
John Barbour, who wrote his metrical
life of King Robert Bruce in 1375, uses
it as a familiar term :—
‘* He said, Methinks Martheoke’s son
Right as Gow-mac-Morn was won,
To have from Fingal his menzie.”
It would appear, from the analogies of
the Gaelic language, to be the complete
form of the word. “ Fionn” means fair,
THE BOOK OF
I’ve seen the household? of Art,”
He with the brown-haired son of gentle speech ;
No better man I ever saw.
T’ve seen the household of Finn.
Who ever saw what I have seen ?
I’ve seen Finn armed with Luno’s son.3
How sad the mournful memory.
I’ve seen the household of Finn.
Never can I recount the ills
Which now do crown my head.
Do thou free us for ever from pain.
I’ve seen the household of Finn. :
being in reality an adjective noun; “Gal”
is a common termination of Celtic pro-
per names. Hence, ‘‘ Fionn Ghal,” or
‘* Fingal,” means the “ fair-haired one.”
In like manner, we have ‘‘ Dubh,” black,
“‘Ghal,” ‘‘ Dubhghal,” or ‘ Dugald ;”
*‘Donn,” brown, *‘ Ghal,” ‘‘ Donnghal,”
Dungal, Donald, the brown-haired one.
Hence, Fionn is a contraction of the
name. It is remarkable as an instance
of the changes which take place in the
use of words, that in modern times
**Fionnghal” is the name of a woman,
and is usually translated ‘‘ Flora.”
1 In the original the word translated
here, “ household,” is ‘“‘tylych,” or
“teaghlach,” a family. The literal
translation would be, “the family of
Art.” But this would not convey the
idea in the original, the Celtic family in
such a case as this implying the military
followers of the head or chief. It seems
probable that these ancient Celtic chiefs,
like chiefs in more recent times, had
their armed followers in constant attend-
ance on them.
2 Art was King of Ireland, according
to Irish authorities, in the beginning of
the third century. Tradition says that
he was the father of Grainne, the wife of
I’ve seen, ete.
Finn, whose defection and escape with
Diarmad led to the event so famous in
ancient Celtic poetry, the death of Diar-
mad. A poem relating the event will be
found in this collection.
8 “Mac an Loinn,” or “‘ Luno’s son,”
was the famous sword of Fingal, manu-
factured by Loinn mac Liobhaidh, the
celebrated smith, or “ Vulcan,” of the
Celts. The sword was so effective that
in no case was it ever required to give a
second stroke. The Gaelic words are,
“Cha d’ fhag e fuigheall beuma,”—It
left no remnant for its stroke. We have
heard of a remarkable instance of the
effective use of this phrase in the pulpit
by a distinguished Highland minister,
Mr. Lachlan M‘Kenzie of Lochcarron.
In illustrating the completeness of the
one sacrifice of our Lord, he said, and to
a Highland audience it was electrifying,
*‘Chuala sibh mu ’n chlaidheamh bh’
aig Fionn, nach d’ fhag riamh fuigheall
beuma,”— You have heard of Fingal’s
sword, which never needed to give a se-
cond blow. ‘ Loinn mac Liobhaidh,” the
“Vulcan” of the Celts, is in reality
Brightness, the son of polishing, a fact
which would go far to prove the mythi-
cal character of this famous artisan.
‘
~~ oo x
oie te
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 3
The author of this is Ossian :!
Long are the clouds this night. above me ;
The last was a long night to me.
This day, although I find it long,
Yesterday was longer still.
Each day that comes is long to me,
Such indeed was not my wont.
Now is no fight, or battle-field,
No learning noble feats of arms
Without maiden, song, or harp ; :
No crushing bones or warlike deeds, eS |
ID oT Peet
No studious learning any more,
No hospitable heart or board,
No soft wooing, and no chase,
In both of which I took delight.
Without the battle-march or fight,
Alas! how sorrowful life’s close ;
No hunting of the hind or stag,
How different from my heart’s desire !
No trappings for our hounds, no hounds.
Long are the clouds this night above me.
No rising up to noble feats,
No mirthful sport as we would wish,
No swimming heroes in our lakes.
1 This piece is extracted and printed
in the report on the Poems of Ossian,
published by the Highland Society. Dr.
Smith, however, who made the extract,
appears not to have read it with much
care or accuracy, and the concluding
portion, from the twentieth line down-
wards, is suppressed altogether. This
seems to have arisen from a desire to
suppress all the references in those
poems to St. Patrick, and thus to estab-
lish by all possible means their Scot-
tish origin. If any of the Poems are the
genuine compositions of Ossian, there
is sufficient evidence that the references
to the Saint are of more recent introduc-
tion, in the fact, that if Ossian saw Art,
who lived in the opening of the third
century, as he tells us in the preceding
fragment, he could hardly hold a dia-
logue with St. Patrick, who flourished
in the fifth. In the present publication
the poems of every kind are given just
as they stand, without any reference to
the effect on existing systems and theo-
. ries, Scotch or Irish.
THE BOOK OF
Long are the clouds this night above me ;
In this great world none is like me,
So sad, how sad my case!
A poor old man now dragging stones.
Long are the clouds this night above me,
The last man of the Feine am I,
The great Ossian, the son of Finn,
Listening to the sound of bells.
Long are the clouds this night above me.
Find, O Patrick, from thy God
What our eternal state shall be.
Freed may we ever be from ill.
Long are the clouds this night above me.
Long are the clouds, etc.
The Author of tilts Quaian’s
Once on a time when Finn my loved
Went to hunt on the “ Fair maids’ hill,” *
With three thousand nobles of the Feine,
Their shields aloft o’er their heads.
'1 The bells used in Christian worship.
“* Patrick of the bells,” is a common ap-
pellation of St. Patrick in these compo-
sitions.
- 2 ¢Sliabh nam ban fionn,” or the “ hill
of the fair-haired women,” is said to be
one of the mountains of Tipperary, in
the neighbourhood of Clonmel. It is now
called ‘‘ Sliabh nam ban,” and has seve-
ral traditions of the Feine associated with
it. The writer is not aware of any moun-
tain of the name in Scotland ; besides,
although the word ‘ Sliabh” is well
known and in common use among the
Scottish Highlanders, it is seldom found
in the topography of the country, in
which the almost uniform term for a
mountain is ‘* Beinn,” the English
*‘ Ben.” This is one of the marked dif-
ferences between Irish and Scottish topo-
graphy. The term under consideration
has sometimes been called in Scotland
**Sliabh nam beann fionn,” ‘‘ the hill of
the fair hills,” a manifest mistake, which
the meaningless tautology should be
enough to prove. Topographical phrases
in the Gaelic language are usually not
only grammatically accurate, but of re-
markable elegance in their structure.
The interpretations often put upon them
are a monstrous outrage upon this sound
and invariable principle.
EE ee eee ee ee ee ee ee ee
UD Pen Oe Sh ee
SE
gn
ee em
RMS” Lee ak apes
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 5
Ossian ! thy words are sweet to me,
My blessing on the soul of Finn.!
Tell us the number of the deer
That fell on the “ Fair maids’ hill.”
How vigorously we shook our spears,
For never hast thou sung the deer
Slain on the “ Fair maids’ hill,” _
By the hand of Finn of the feasts.
Tell them the tale in full,
My blessing on thy guileless lips.
Had you your dress and your armour
When you went forth to the chase ?
We had our dress and our armour
When we went forth to the chase ;
There was no Fian amongst us all
Without his fine soft flaxen shitt,
Without his under coat of substance soft,
Without a coat of mail of brightest steel,
The covering for his head adorned with gems, .
And in his hand he bore two spears,
Besides a fierce and conquering shield,
And sword that never failed to cleave the skull.
Wert thou to search the universe
Thou would’st not find a braver man than Finn ;
Of noblest race and fairest form,
No arm from him could carry victory.
As he went forth to try his snow-white hound
Who ’mongst us all was like to Finn ?
Westward we went, an ordered band,
1 It is obvious that parts of these com-
positions are dialogues, for the most part
between Ossian and St. Patrick. The
dialogue portion in these editions of
Dean M‘Gregor's is generally either pre-
fixed or added to the body of the poem.
This is quite consistent with the genuine-
ness of the work, and can be explained
upon the supposition, that these portions
were either prefixed or adjoined at an
after period by some other hand to serve
a purpose. This cannot be said of those
poems which are in the form of dialogues
throughout.
6 THE BOOK OF
To hunt on the “ Fair maids’ hill.”
O Patrick, pupil of the church’s head,
Bright was the sun above us,
As in the midst of us sat Finn.
Eastward and westward sweetly rung,
From hill to hill the voice of hounds,
Arousing boars and harts.
Then Finn and Bran! did sit alone
A little while upon the mountain side,
Each of them panting for the chase,
Their fierceness and their wrath aroused.
Then did we unloose three thousand hounds
Of matchless vigour and unequalled strength.
Each of the hounds brought down two deer,
Long ere ‘twas time to bind them in their thongs.
That day there fell six thousand deer,
Down in the vale that lies beneath the hill ;
There never fell so many deer and roe
In any hunt that e’er till this took place.
But sad was the chase down to the east,
‘ Thou cleric of the church and bells,
Ten hundred of our hounds, with golden chains,
Fell wounded by ten hundred boars :
Then by our hands there fell the boars,
Which wrought the ill upon the plain.
And were it not for blades and vigorous arms,
That chase had been a slaughter.
O Patrick of the holy crosier,
Eastward or westward, hast thou ever seen,
Another chase, in all thy days,
Greater than that of Finn and of the Feine ?
' Bran was the famous hound of Finn.
The word means “a raven,” but used as
an adjective it signifies “ black,” which
is apparently the origin of the name.
Another of his dogs was called ‘‘ Luath,”
or ** Swift,” also an adjective. These are
common names for staghounds in the
Highlands at this day. Reference is made
a few lines before this to a white dog,
“‘achoin ghil,” translated ‘‘snow-white,”
‘* geal,” implying the most intense white-
ness,
, -
EE a en eee ane ee eS
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 7
This then was the hunt of Finn,
Thou son of Alpin’ of the holy relics,
More than thy howling in the church
Do I love to tell the day.
Once on a time, etc.
hill
ca he
The author of this is Ossian :”
Once on a time as Patrick of the holy crook
Betook him to his cell,
He sought as his companion
Ossian of gentle mien.
Now let me hear, he said,
Ossian, whose courage has made foes retreat,
Who of all those whom thou ne’er sang’st,
Most vexed the Feine of Finn ?
Priest of the spotted crook,’
Thy lifetime it would take
1 The Irish call this word ‘ Ar-
pluinn,” in Latin, “Calphurnius.” Inthe
Highlands the name is uniformly “ Al-
pin,”—‘‘ Padruig mac Alpain.”
? This composition the Irish call the
battle of ‘“‘Ventry Harbour,” a place in
the county of Kerry in Ireland. There
are, however, Fintrays in Scotland,
which are apparently the same name,
and Mr. Skene has called the attention
of the writer to the fact, that there
is a Sgiir Dhaire dhuinn, “ the hill of
Daire donn,” in Duror in Argyleshire.
Trish Antiquaries say the battle was
fought in the third century between the
Féine of Ireland and Daire donn, or
Daire the brown, King of the world. It
will be seen in this copy that Daire is
introduced as King of Lochlin or Sean-
dinavia, although afterwards called King
of the world. It is very probable that
both to the Scotch and Irish Celt Scan-
dinavia was at this period synonymous
with the world. This poem is here at-
tributed to Ossian, although it is very
doubtful whether it is so in the MS.
The writing is so indistinct, that it is
impossible to read the title correctly. It
is hardly necessary to remind the reader
that the poem is in the form of a dia-
logue between the bard, whoever he may
be, and St. Patrick. The name of the
saint seems to have been a favourite one
with the bards, and was used no doubt
to give consequence and currency to
their compositions.
8 The crozier of St. Patrick. Several
ancient Celtic croziers are still in exist-
8 THE BOOK OF
To tell in human speech
The glory of the Feine of Finn.
Since without guile thou art,
And now that they are dead, dost live,
Watch thou for ever on,
And tell the deeds done by the Feine.
Should I be spared for fifty years,
Hearing thy music in thy cell
Till my death’s day, I could not tell
The noble deeds of the Feine of Finn.
The kingdoms of the earth in all its breadth
Belonged to us on every side.
Tribute we raised from all of them for Finn,'
Else filled them with the shout of war.
In this wide earth there was not one
That dared refuse us,
Not ev’n in Alve? of the spotted spears,
With all its power and its untold renown.
ence. ‘Two are well known in Scotland.
One of them is the Quigrich, or crozier of
St. Fillan, nowin possession of a family of
the name of Dewar in Canada, to whose
progenitor it was intrusted by Robert
Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn. An
interesting notice of this relic has re-
cently been published by Dr. D. Wilson
of Toronto. Another is the crozier of
St. Munn, now in the Museum of the
Society of Antiquaries in Scotland, and
long in possession of a family called the
Barons of Bachul (a crozier, from the
Latin Baculus), in the island of Lismore.
A notice of this relic will be found in the
transactions of the Scottish Antiquaries,
from the able pen of Mr. Cosmo Innes.
The word ‘ breac,” or spotted, applied
to the crozier, must refer to its ornamen-
tation. The term will be found elsewhere
applied to spears or swords.
1 This is a curious piece of Bardic ex-
_aggeration, But there may be some his-
tory hidden within its folds. There is
sufficient evidence to prove that the
Féine, whoever they were, were not con-
fined to Ireland. We have numerous
ancient Celtic compositions in which re-
ference is made to the Féine of Scotland,
and the Féine of Britain, meaning either
Wales, or England and Wales together.
The truth with regard to Finn and his
Féine seems even yet to be a long.way
off.
* This is said to be ‘‘ Almhuin,” or
Allen, the residence of Finn, accord-
ing to Irish accounts, in the county of
Kildare. The word has a strong resem-
blance to ‘‘ Alba,” the Gaelic name for
Scotland ; and in reading ancient Gaelic
MSS., care must be taken to distinguish
the two. We give the name in the Dean’s
orthography, whatever the place may
he.
ae ee! eee ee
Sy na > eee - ee pe Os 5
4
ae ae ee
=e eta Te ee ee
a, -s
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 9
Would’st thou but tell them now,
Ossian, of the fierce assaults, ©
Which was the stoutest arm
Among the men that followed Finn.
Thou sett’st me to a painful task,
O Priest, thou pupil of the heavenly king,
I could not till the judgment day,
Tell of the Feine, the men and deeds.
Yet since it so fell out that thou outliv’st them
Ossian of sweet and pleasing songs,
Which would’st thou chuse of all the Feinn,
To stand in battle by thy shield ?
Oscar and Caoilte and Gaul,
And Luthy’s son, of sharpest swords ;
Round Cumhal’s son,* they well might stand,
No nobler band in battle fought ;
Bloody Fargon, son to the king,
And Carroll with the murderous spear ;
Dermin, brave and fair, who nothing feared,
And bore his pointed shield aloft,
Coll Caoilte’s son, so gentle at the feast ;
Core, a warrior of no tender blows ;
Ryno, son to the king ;—
A band than which no braver fought.
The fair-haired Fillan, who was son to Finn,
And Garry, than whom no bloodier foe ;
The guileless Dyrin, Doveran’s son,
Hugh, son of Garry of the powerful arm,
I, myself, and Gaul the son of Smail,
' Finn was Cumhal’s son. The word
is pronounced “ Finn mac Cail,”—very
much as M‘Dougal is pronounced in the
speaking of Gaelic. The writer has been
led to think that traces of “ Cual ”
(Cumhal) might be found in the King
Coil of Ayrshire. The whole region about
the scene of Coil’s territory and sepulchre
has been purely Celtic, and the grave
itself bears marks of being constructed
in the early Celtic method.
10 THE BOOK OF
And Daire' of oaken frame, brave Ronan’s son ;
The armourer’s three sons, men without guile,
Whose ruddy armour gleamed, adorned with gold.
Now that I tell my tale to thee, }
Cleric that dwell’st at Port-na-minna,
No man of all the Feine was known to me
But one, to whom all other men must yield.
But, now, do thou be seated in thy chair,
Take up thy pen, we'll number all the host,
The host of brave and noble men
Who came, well-ordered bands, unto the Feine.
Across the sea the King of Lochlin came,
The brown-haired* Daire of famous shield,
From Conn to wrest the tribute paid by Erin,
A mournful tale for us and all our host.
Our Feinn had friends who came to give them aid,
Men from the sides of every hill,
Led on by Cairbar of the smewy arm.
Of these four bands came safe to land.
Of the Feinn themselves came seven bands,
Three from the east, the half of Erin called from Conn.”
The greater number in the battle fell,
But few escaped the bands of Daire donn.
Down with his fleet lay Daire donn
Himself and all his host.
Of these were thirty score®
Who ne’er again did see their native land.
There watched them near the shore
Conn Crithear of the well-aimed strokes.
He seized the men of India there,
And raised the king’s head on the mountain side.
1 As already observed, Daire donn, or
*“Daire the brown,” is called here the
King of Lochlin.
2 Treland was divided into two great
sections: the northern, called Leth
Chuinn, or Conn’s half, from Conn of
the hundred battles, King of Ulster ; the
southern, called Leth Mhogha, or Mogh’s
half, called from Mogha Nuadhat, King
of Munster, both in the second century.
8 The Celts always count by twenties
up to 400. When a Highlander speaks
of 340 or 360 of anything, he uniformly
says seventeen score or eighteen score.
The numbers given here are an instance
of the poetic license.
f
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
11
This famous Conn, the son of Ulster’s king,
And Dollir, no less famed for warlike deeds,
We left upon the strand,
_ Drowned in mutual clasp beneath the waves.
Dathach’s three sons, no braver men,
Ascending from the place where lay the ships,
Feartan and Kerkal, he with the large round head,
We left their bodies naked on the strand.
Owar,' the armed daughter of the King of Greece,
And Forna of the heavy sturdy blows
We left, a vacant grin upon their faces.
We knew no sorrow as we left them there.
Four of the King of Lochlin’s sons we left,
Slain by our fierce, resistless arms.
The three Balas from Borrin in the east,
Hardly escaped our murderous blows.
Great as was the king of the world,
Daire donn, with shield of purest white,
We left his body, too, upon the strand,
Slain by the blows of the victorious Feine.
Of all the world’s hosts, brave though they were,
None did escape the slaughter
Except the King of France alone,
Who, like a swallow as it grasps the air,
Fled from fear of noble Oscar,
And even once his sole ne’er touched the earth
Until he got to Glenabaltan, as men relate ;
Then and there only did he find him rest.
It was on Fintray’s strand, down at the sea,
1 This daughter of the King of Greece
is well known in Celtic tradition. In Mr.
J. F. Campbell’s Tales of the West High-
lands, vol. ii. p. 470, it will be seen that
traces of her existence are found still in
the island of Barra. Greece was not un-
known to the ancients. Cesar tells us
that the Gauls, although not committing
their religious mysteries to paper, in com-
mon writing which was familiar to them,
used the Greek letters. This is a remark-
able statement, and one of which too
little use has been made in discussing
the social condition of the early Gael.
At the same time, we learn from the his-
tory of the Gallic war that the literature
of Gaul was drawn from Britain, at least
her priests studied there, which can have
no other meaning.
12 THE BOOK OF
Our people made this slaughter,
Of these, the kings of all the world,
And drank our full of vengeance.
Our fierce and conquering arms
Laid many a noble warrior low ;
Many a sword and shield
Lay shattered on the strand,
The strand of Fintray of the port ;
Many dead bodies lay upon the earth,
Many a hero with a vacant grin.
Much was the spoil we gathered in the fight.
Patrick, son of noble Alpin,
Even of the Feine themselves, none did escape
The fierce and murderous fight
Except two ordered bands,
Nor were their bodies whole.
The sons of Boisgne' made one band of those,
A race, with hands that knew no tender grasp,
Then came the sons of Morn,? who with the sons of Smail
Made up the second band.
By thy hand, O noble Priest
In that sore fight, there perished of our Feine
Five well-trained bands
Who left us for the strand.
Thirty luckless bands,
A thousand score in each,
We numbered of the men of Daire donn,
That never reached the waves.
Were I to answer thee, O Priest,
As thou desir’st to hear my every tale,
Down to the time we® Gawra’s battle fought,
1 The race of the Féine to which Finn
belonged. The Irish say they occu-
pied Leinster and the eastern part of
Ulster.
' # The race to which the famous Gaul
belonged. They are said to have occu-
pied Connaught and the west of Ireland.
These are the Irish accounts, and must
be taken as contributions to a correct
elucidation of the history of these events,
if they have a real history.
% A poem on this famous battle will
be found in a subsequent part of this
collection.
T=
i
os os
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 13
We never lost our power.
Then did we seize the ships ;
We took the heavy silver of the king,
_ The gold, the garments, and the other spoil ;
Each half of Erin had its share.
Holy Patrick of the relics,
Shall I meet death within thy house of prayer ?
Cover thou my form with earth,
Since thou knowest well my tale.
Ossian, since thou art wearied now,
Make thy peace, that thou may’st die,
Take up thy prayer and ask for mercy,
Early each day call on thy. God,
And when, on the judgment day, thou reachest Sion,
Where all men shall be gathered,
May Michael, Mary, and the Son of God
Take thee kindly by the hand.
May the Twelve Apostles, with their song of praise,
Each holy cleric, and each prophet,
Me save from hell,
For I’ve been very sinful in my day.
Once on a time.'
The author of this is Ossian :
Feeble this night is the power of my arm,
My strength is no more as it was;
No wonder though I should mourn,
Poor old relic that I am ;
Sad that such should be my lot,
1 It will be seen inthis and the pre- _ cient Celtic Poetry, and is a sure indica-
vious pieces, that the first few lines are _ tion that we have reached the end of the
repeated at the close ofevery poem. This _ piece.
practice is uniformly followed in all an-
14
THE BOOK OF
Beyond all men who tread the earth,
Wearily dragging stones along
To the church on the hill of the priest.
I have a tale which I would tell
Regarding our people, O Patrick :
Listen to Finn’s prediction.
Shortly ere thou cam’st, O Priest,
The hero was to build a fort,
On Cuailgne’s* bare and rounded hill.
He laid it on the Feine of Fail?
Materials for the work to get.
Two-thirds of all his famous fort
He laid upon the sons of Morn ;
The other third he laid on me,
And on the other sons of Boisgne.
I answered, but not aright,
The son of Cumhal, son of Trenmor.
I said I would cast off his rule,
And would submit to him no more.
Then for long Finn held his peace,
The hero hard to vanquish,
He who knew no guile nor fear,
When my answer he had heard,
His words to me were these,
The words of Finn, prince of the Feine :
Thou shalt be dragging stones awhile
Ere to thy mournful home thou goest.
‘ 1A hill said to be in the county of
Armagh, celebrated in the ancient poem
of ‘‘ Tain bo Chuailgne,” or “‘ The cattle
spoil of Cuilinn.” It is said to have
been here that Cuchullin resided, whence
probably his name, Cu Chuailgne, or
Cuchullin, the Hound of Cuillinn. In
Irish History Cuchullin is said to have
lived a couple of centuries previous to
the era of Fingal.
The reader may be reminded that there
is a mountain in Skye called Cuilinn,
one of the grandest of the Scottish moun-
tains. The person from whom both this
and the Irish hills of the name were
called, is said to have been Cuilionn, a
Druidical priest of great fame. The
word means also the Holly tree, from
whence the derivation is sufficiently pro-
bable.
2 « Fail” is an ancient name for Ire-
land. The word signifies fate; hence
‘¢ Innisfail,” or the ‘‘ Island of fate,” or,
more probably, “‘ the sacred island.”
Tee SS ee
a il i: li te le th el te ND
ea
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 16
Then did I rise up in wrath,
From Cumhal’s son of bloody sword.
There followed me of all the Feine,
. The fourth battalion, hardy and brave.
_ Then was I long with the Feine,
Y. On all things I my judgment gave.
; Many were there with me then,
zs But now, alas, I’m feeble, feeble ;
I was counsellor to the Feine,
In all emergencies, how feeble.
How many men that do not know
That on this earth I’m feeble, feeble.
This night my body’s frame is feeble,
Patrick, I believe thy words.
My hands, my feet, and head,
All of them are feeble, feeble.
‘Feeble, ete.
5 The author of this is Ossian :
Here have I seen the Feine,
I have seen Conan and Gaul,
Finn, and Oscar my son,
Ryno, Art, and brown-haired Diarmad,*
Brave M‘Luy,” he of noble mien,
The red-haired Garry,’ also Hugh the less,
1 Diarmad was the Adonis of the
Feine. He is celebrated for his beauty,
which led finally to his death, as will be
seen ina future poem. He is said to
have been the Ancestor of the clan Camp-
bell, who are hence called ‘* Clann Diar-
maid,” or the “children of Diarmad.”
The M‘Diarmads, as well as some other
subordinate elans, are also said to be of
the same stock.
® A grandson of Finn by his son Daire
dearg. His mother’s name was Luigh-
each, whence he was called the son of
Luigheach, pronounced Luy. He wasa
famous man among the Feine, according
to Irish authorities.
3 There were several among the Feine
of this name. The name is widely known
in the topography of Scotland. There
are two Rivers Garry, two lochs, and
two large rivers. These are found in
Inverness-shire and Perthshire.
16 THE BOOK OF
Hugh Garry’s son, who never quailed, —
The three Finns, and with them Fead
’
Glass and Gow and Garry,
The long-haired Galve, and the impetuous Conan ;!
Gaul and Crooin, Gaul’s son, -
Socach, the son of Finn, and Bran ;?
Caoilte, the-son of warlike Ronan,’
Who swiftest ran, and leaped o’er valleys,
The readiest to scatter gold,
One of them of sweetest voice ;
Bayne, son of Brassil of the swords,
The son of Cromchin, son of Smail,
And Oscar, son of powerful Garry,*
The three Balas, and the three Skails,
Three battalions from Glenstroil,
Three bands from Monaree ;
Caoilte’s seven sons best trained to fight ;
The three named Glass from Glassrananseir ;
The three Beths from Cnokandurd,
Three of unfailing excellence ;
Deach Fichid’s son from Borruinn mor,
Of them who always conquered.
Here have I seen the Feine
Whose liberal hand did music buy,°
' Conan is usually called ‘* Conan
maol,” or “Conan the bald,” and was
known among the Feine for his thought-
less impetuosity. He was, in conse-
quence of this peculiar temperament,
ever getting into difficulties, and expos-
ing himself to the ridicule and reprehen-
sion of his companions. There are both
a river and valley in Scotland called after
him, the River Conan and Strathconan
in Rosshire.
2 « Bran,” the name of Finn’s cele-
brated hound, is here obviously the name
of aman. There is a *‘ strath” or val-
ley in Rosshire which still retains his
name, Strathbran. The extent to which
Fenian names are found in Scottish topo-
graphy, goes far to show the close con-
nexion of the Feine themselves with that
country.
3 Caoilte was one of the most famous
of the Feine. He was distinguished for
his swiftness, and not without reason,
as is shown in his chase of Loinn mac
Liobhaidh, the Fenian blacksmith, whom
he overtook, although he could cross a
valley at a stride.
4 This Oscar must be distinguished
from the famous Oscar, the Poet’s son.
Of the latter he never speaks without
applying to him some term of endear-
ment, as ‘‘my son,” ‘‘my own son,”
etc.
5 This line refers to the liberal rewards
ta
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 7
Ranged around Ossian and Finn,
Traversing valleys to dispense their gold:
Fearton and brave Carroll were there,
Who never fought but where they won.
I sing them, and generous Felan,
All of whom here have I seen.
Here have I seen.
The author of this is Ossian, the son of Finn.!
Tell us, O Patrick, what honour is ours,
Do the Feine of Ireland in heaven now dwell ?
In truth I can tell thee, thou Ossian of fame,
That no heaven has thy father, Oscar, or Gaul.
Sad is the tale thou tellest me, Priest,
I worshipping God while the Feine have no heaven.
Shalt thou not fare well thyself in that city,
Though ne’er should thy father, Caoilte, and Oscar be there ?
- Little joy would it bring to me to sit in that city,
Without Caoilte, and Oscar, as well as my father.
Better see the face of heaven’s son each day,
Than all the gold on earth, were it thine to possess,
which the Bards usually received among
the Celts. A eulogy was sometimes re-
warded by the Chief with a silver cup.
Even poetry had need to be purchased ;
and probably were it not for the hope of
reward of some kind, many of the noblest
Poems which have adorned human his-
tory would never have seen the light.
At a meeting of Skye gentlemen on some
public occasion some years ago, the ques-
tion was put, ‘‘ Where are the bards?”
One of the company replied, “‘ They are
gone.” ‘* No,” said Nicolson of Scorry-
breck, ‘they are still with us; but. the
men who fostered them are gone.”
1 This piece is what is usually called
“‘Urnuidh Oisiain,” or ‘“Ossian’s prayer.”
There are many such colloquies in the
Gaelic, many of them bearing no marks
of great antiquity. It will be found that
in the Gaelic the poem is divided. This
arose from a misplacing of different parts
of it in the MS., which was not observed.
till the first part was printed off. In
the English the whole is given conse-
cutively.
| a - THE BOOK OF
Tell us, thou Priest of the Holy city, the tale ;
In return I'll recount thee the battle of Gaura.
If the tale of that city thou desir’st, old man,
No thirst, no hunger, want, reproach are there.
Who are heaven’s sons ? more noble are the Feinn :
Are they hard of heart? have thou mercy, Cleric ;
Unlike them are the Feine, unlike them altogether,
Never on the green plain did they seek the chase.
For thy love’s sake, Patrick, forsake not the heroes,
Unknown to heaven’s King, bring thou in the Feinn.
Though little room you'd take, not one of your race,
Unknown to heaven’s King, shall get beneath his roof.
How different Mac Cumhail, the Feinn’s noble king,
All men, uninvited, might enter his great house.
Sad is that, old man, and thy life’s close so near,
That thou should’st so unjustly judge of my great king.
Better the fierce conflict of Finn and his Feinn,
Than thy holy master, and thyself together.
Mournful, poor old man, that thou should’st folly speak,
Better God for a day than all of Erin’s Feinn.
Though few be my days, and my life’s close near,
Patrick defame not the nobles of clan Boisgne.
Thou can’st never tell, Ossian, son to the Queen,
How different your nobles from those of my Lord.
Were even Conan living, the least of the Feinn,
He would not suffer thy insolence, Cleric.
Speak not thus, Ossian, savage are thy words,
Take thee now thy rest, and guide thee by my rule.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Did’st thou see the fight, and the noble banners,
Never would’st thou think but of the glory of the Feinn.
Ossian, Prince’s son, *twill be thy soul’s great loss
That thou now think’st only of the battles of the Feinn.
Did’st thou hear the hounds, and the sounds of the hunt,
Thou would’st rather be there than in the holy city.
That is sad, old man, if the glory of the chase
Be greater than all which Heaven above can yield.
Say not so, Patrick, empty are thy words,
Indeed and in truth, better Finn and the Feinn.
By thy hand, Boisgne’s son, not empty are my words,
Better is one angel than Finn and the Feinn.
Were I only now as I was at Gaura’s fight,
I would punish thy reproach of Erin’s noble Feinn.
. Thy pride is all gone, for all thy future days,
None are now left of thy band but thyself.
Were my men in life I’d not hear thy howling,
And I’d make thee to suffer in return for thy talk.
Though all of these yet lived, and were now joined together,
I'd still not speak only of the Feinn’s seven bands.
Seven times the number that thou hast of priests,
Fell all in battle by Oscar alone. —
Thowrt now in thy last days, old and senseless man,
Cease now thy speaking, and come away with me;
Did’st thou see the men of cowls, Finn’s son, in Alve,
Thou would’st not as thou dost reproach the men of heaven.
No less was our great band, when we were met in Taura,
Reproachful are the words thou speak’st of the great king,
I will forgive thee, Cleric, although thou dost not tell
Tell.
19
20 THE BOOK OF
The author of this is Ogsian.!
I know a little tale of Finn,
A tale that we should not despise,
Of Cumhal’s son, the valorous,
Which our memory still preserves.
Once we were a little band,
At Essaroy,” of gentle streams,
Near the coast was under sail,
A currach, in which sat a maid ;:
Fifty men stood by the King,
Brave in any fight or field,
Sad for them who faced their right arm,
For we ruled in every land.
All of us rose up in haste,
Save Finn of the Feine and Gaul,
To welcome the boat as it sped,
Cleaving the waves in its course.
It never ceased its onward way
Until it reached the wonted port. .
Then when it had touched the land,
The maid did from her seat arise,
Fairer than a sunbeam’s sheen,
Of finest mould and gentlest mien.
1 This composition is known usually
by the name of “ Fainesoluis,” or the
sunbeam, derived manifestly from the
comparison of the sunbeain in the twenty-
first line. In Ireland it is called ‘‘ Laoidh
an Mhoighre Bhoirb,” or “The song of
Mayre Borb.” The ‘‘ Mayre” of Ireland
will be found to be ‘ Daire” in Scotland.
2 The topography of these poems is a
subject of very deep interest to the stu-
dent of our national antiquities. In the
valley of the Roy in Lochaber, so famous
for its parallel roads, is a waterfall called
*¢ Kas ruaidh,” or ‘‘ Essaroy,” the “ fall
of Roy.” Was this the scene of the story
of Fainesoluis? It may be objected that
from there the sea lies at a distance of
fifteen miles. On the Earn, near Bally-
shannon, in the county of Donegal, is
“‘ Assaroe,” or ‘‘ Eas Aoidh Ruaidh,”
“The waterfall of Hugh the red,” who
was drowned there. This is nearer the
sea; but at the period ascribed to Os-
sian, the name could not have been given
to the spot, as the death of Aedh ruadh
mac Badhairn, from whom the cascade
was named, occurred, according to the
Four Masters, in a.M. 4518.
——_——- ———_
I Te ee eee OOOO
ao a
Ea ye ee
=e
i os
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Then before this stranger maid,
We stood and showed courtesy ;
“Come to the tent of Finn with us.”
With grace she all of us salutes ;
"Twas Cumhal’s son himself replied,
And salutes her in return.
Then did the King of noblest mien
Ask of the maid of fairest face,
“ Whence is it thou hast come, fair maid ?
Give us now in brief thy tale.”
“The King of the land beneath the waves,'
My father is, such is my fate,
Through all lands where the sun revolves,
21
Thee and thy men I long have sought.”
“ Princess, who hast searched each land,
Youthful maid of beauteous form,
The reason why thou cam’st so far,
Tell us now, and tell us all.”
“Tf thou be Finn, I ask defence,” ”
So now did speak the youthful maid,
1 Kings among the Celts were, at-an
early period, persons of much less con-
sequence than the name would now seem
to imply. In Ireland, there were four
provincial sovereignties besides the na-
tional one. But even this does not give
an accurate representation of the Celtic
polity. The fact is, every ruler of a dis-
trict and leader of an army was called
a King. Of this we have ample evi-
dence in Cesar’s account of the state
of Britain at the period of the Roman
invasion. In Scotland, tradition points
to several kingdoms. In the Western
Highlands the Island of Mull is said to
have formed a kingdom by itself, called
**Rioghachd na Drealluin,” ‘‘ the King-
dom of Drealinn,” from “ dreall,” a
“bar” or ** sneck,” applied to the Sound
of Mull, which shuts out all strangers
from the Island. Isiay was called
**Rioghachd Modheadh,” or the ‘‘South-
west Kingdom,” from its position. Mor-
vern was called “‘ Torruaidh,” to which fre-
quent reference is made both in Scottish
and Irish Celtic. tradition. Ardnamur-
chan was called ‘‘ Sorcha,” the kingdom
of Daire Borb’s father, from its moun-
tainous character, ‘‘Sorcha” meaning
“* high,” whence “‘ sorchan,” ‘‘ a tripod.”
‘Tir bar fo thuinn,” or the land be-
neath the waves, was Tyree, from the
lowness of the land appearing from a
distance as if its surface were on a level
with the sea. If there be any historical
accuracy in these traditions, which have
been gathered up from an intelligent old
Highlander, skilled in the lore of his
country, this story of Fainesoluis is one
in which a daughter of the ruler of the
Island of Tyree is pursued bya son of
the ruler of Ardnamurchan. Poetry gives
a consequence and magnitude to the
event, which in all probability the naked
reality did not possess.
2 “Mo chomraich ort,” ‘‘ my protec-
22 THE BOOK OF
“Thou of soft speech, and purest race,
Grant me protection, grant it now.”
Then spoke the wise and knowing King,
“Tell us now from whom thou flee’st ;
Protection I thee grant, fair maid,
’Gainst every man that dares thee hurt.”
“ There comes in wrath across the sea,
Swift in pursuit, a warrior brave,
The well-armed son of Sorcha’s King,
He whose name is Daire the fierce."
I laid me under heavy bonds?
That Finn should from the sea me have,
But that his wife I ne’er should be,
Though famed his beauty and his deeds.”
Then Oscar spoke, of hasty speech,
The warlike conqueror of Kings,
“Though Finn should not thy pledge sustain,
Never shalt thou with him wed.”
Then do we see borne by his steed*
A hero of unequalled size,
Travelling with speed across the sea,
Following the maiden in her course ;
His helmet close about the head
Of this brave and dauntless man ;
His right arm bore a round black shield,
tection be on thee,” was an appeal which
the Celtic warrior could never reject when
made by the weak and helpless. In
Christian times, the word ‘‘ Comraich”’
came to be applied to the “ girths” or
‘* sanctuaries” around places of worship
and other sacred spots, where accused
persons might flee for security. Hence
the Gaelic name of the parish of Apple-
cross in Rosshire, ‘“‘ A Chomraich,” or
‘the Sanctuary,” formed round the
church dedicated to St. Malrube, an
early Christian missionary.
1 As already observed, this name is in
Trish editions of the poem ‘‘ Mayre.” See
Miss Brooks’ ‘‘ Reliques of Irish Poetry.”
2 «¢ Geasan,” ‘‘ bonds.” The word here
appears to mean a simple pledge, al-
though in most cases it implies the exer-
cise of some magical power. In those
cases of metamorphosis so common in
Celtic tales, the persons who have been
made to undergo the change are said to
be ‘‘ fo gheasaibh,” “‘ underspells.” The
mythology of the Celts has much in
common with that of Eastern nations.
8 The magical steed of Daire borb was
capable of carrying its master over sea
and land. In many ancient Celtic Tales
we read of ships which could also tra-
verse sea and land.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 23
The surface of its back engraved ;
A heavy, large, broad-bladed sword,
Tightly bound, hung by his side ;
He comes in attitudes of fence,
As where we stood he swift approached ;
Two javelins, with victory rich,
Rest on the shoulder of his shield ;
For strength, for skill, for bravery,
Nowhere could his match be found.
A hero’s look,—the eye of a king
Shone in that head of noblest mould,
Ruddy his face, his teeth pearl-white,
No stream ran swifter than his steed.
Then did his steed bound on the shore,
And he in whom we saw no fear.
Of us did fifty warriors then
Approach him as he came to us ;
Fear of the hero as he neared us
Filled the bravest of them all.
Now as he landed from the waves,
Our famous King the question put,
“ Can’st thou tell me now, fair maid,
Is that the man of whom thou spak’st ?”
“T know him well, Finn Cumhal’s son,
Nor does his coming bode you good ;
Me he will rudely strive to seize,
Despite thy strength, O noble Finn.”
Then Oscar and Gaul arose,
The fiercest of all in the fight,
Near to the men they firmly stood,
Between the giant and our chief.
‘The well-formed warrior then approached,
In rage sustained by his great strength,
The maid he rudely bears away,
Though by Finn’s shoulder she had stood.
The Son of Morne then hurled his spear,
With wonted force, as he bore off ;
24 THE BOOK OF
No gentle cast was that, in truth,
The hero’s shield was split in twain.
The wrathful Oscar then did shake
The red-dyed belt from his left arm,'
And killed the hero’s prancing steed,
A deed most worthy of great fame.
Then, when the steed fell on the plain,
He on us turned in fiercest wrath,
And battle does, the onset mad,
With all our fifty warriors brave.
On the same side with me and Finn,
The fifty stood in front of hin :
Yet though they oft stood firm in fight,
His arm did now them force to yield.
Two blows, and only two he gave,
With vigour to each sep’rate man,
When we were stretched upon the earth,
Each man of us with whom he fought.
Three vanquished nines he tightly bound,
Ere from the furious fight he ceased.
Firmly the three smalls’? usual tie
On each of these he firmly placed.
Then did the manly Gaul advance,
The conquering hero to assail.
Whaoe’er he was could see them then,
The struggle and the fight were fierce.
Then did Mac Morne slay with his arm
The King of Sorcha’s son, most strange !
Sad was the coming of the maid,
Now that the brave in fight had fallen.
1 The word in the original here is
‘criss zerk,” the ‘red belt.” This is,
however, in all probability, a mistake of
the Dean’s for ‘‘ craoiseach,” a “ jave-
lin.” It is not easy to see what could
be meant by the “‘ red belt” on Oscar’s
left arm. It could hardly signify the
straps of the shield. If it be “ craoi-
seach,” the bard would seem to indicate
that Oscar was left-handed, like the sons
of Benjamin.
2 * Natricaoil,” or the ‘‘ three smalls,”
were the neck, the ankles, and the wrists. |
Prisoners of war had this triple binding
applied to them.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 25
And now that he had fallen thus,
Beside the sea, a sad event,
She of the land beneath the waves,
With Finn and his Feine remained a year.
Flann, son of Morne, in battle brave,
Was killed, it is a piteous tale ;
None of all our men escaped,
Whose body was not.full of wounds,
Except my noble Father, Finn,
The generous friend of all distressed.
And now at last the deed is done.
Of Finn this little tale I know.
I know a little tale of Finn.
As our fifty warriors brave !
Were now subject to his arms,
Helpless were we in his hands,
Our precious rights were all now lost.
His sword without a single check,
Did hack our bodies and our shields.
Any fighting like to his,
In my day never have I seen.
We buried then close to the fall
This noble, brave, and powerful man.
And on each finger’s ruddy point
A ring was placed in honour of the King.
For ten long years his conquering arms,
To the victor did the King forbid ;
For all that time the son of Morne
Was healing with Finn of the Feine.
‘These supplementary lines would
appear to be either additional lines or
various readings. There are two given
in the Gaelic, which are not translated,
as being of little consequence, and which
seem intended to come in between the
ninety-eighth and ninety-ninth lines. The
first eight lines of this additional frag-
ment are probably intended to fall in
between the hundred and twenty-eighth
and the hundred and twenty-ninth lines,
the last eight to close the poem. Dr.
Smith, in the Report on Ossian’s Poems
given in to the Highland Society, states,
that the Edition given in this supplement
is inconsistent with that in the body of
the Poem, and must be held to contain
various readings.
26
THE BOOK OF
The author of this is Ossian, the son of Finn.
"Twas yesterday week
I last saw Finn ;
Ne’er did I see
A braver man ;
Teige’s” daughter’s son,
A powerful king ;
My fortune, my light,
My mind’s whole might,
Both poet and chief.
Braver than kings,
Firm chief of the Feinn.
Lord of all lands,
Leviathan at sea,
As great on land,
Hawk of the air,
Foremost always.
Generous, just,
Despised a lie.
Of vigorous deeds,
First in song.
A righteous judge,
Firm his rule.
Polished his mien,
Who knew but victory.
1 The following seems to have been
Ossian’s eulogy on his father Finn. The
editor has not met with any similar com-
position either among Scottish or Irish
collections, except a few lines extracted
by Miss Brooks from a composition which
she calls ‘‘ Buille Oisein,” and itis there-
fore rescued from oblivion by having
been seized by the Dean while floating
on the stream of oral tradition, and
treasured in his miscellany. In the ori-
ginal, the poetry is worthy of the name
of Ossian, more so, indeed, than any-of
the pieces in this collection. It is quite
impossible to produce in English the ef-
fect of the rhythm and alliteration of the
Gaelic ; but the editor has endeavoured,
while giving an exact rendering, to retain,
‘in as far as possible, the peculiar measure
of the original. The piece is a fine tribute
of filial love and admiration, nor is there
much room to doubt its genuineness.
2 Muirne Finn’s mother is said to have
been a daughter of Teige, a famous
Druid, or, as others say, of a princely
family of Bregia, in Meath.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Who is like him
In fight or song ?
Resists the foe,
In house or field.
Marble his skin,
The rose his cheek,
Blue was his eye,
His hair like gold.
All men’s trust,
Of noble mind.
Of ready deeds,
To women mild,
A giant he,
The field’s delight.
Best polished spears,
No wood like their shafts.
Rich was the King.
His great green bottle,
Full of sharp wine,
Of substance rich.
Excellent he.
Of noble form,
His people’s head,
His step so firm,
Who often warred.
In beauteous Banva,
Three hundred battles
He bravely fought.
Vith miser’s mind
From none withheld.
Anything false
His lips ne’er spoke.
He never grudged,
27
1 Some of the lines in this part of the
original MS. are very much defaced from
age and bad usage. The editor has been
obliged in consequence to guess one line
and a few additional words. The line is
the forty-fifth, where he has introduced
a phrase sufficiently general to prevent
the charge of in any measure tampering
with his author. The other words will
be seen by referring to the Gaelic.
28 THE BOOK OF
No, never Finn ;
The sun ne’er saw King
Who him excelled,
The monsters in lakes,
The serpent by land,
In Erin of saints,”
The hero slew.
Neer could I tell,
Though always I lived,
Neer could I tell
The third of his praise.
But sad am I now,
After Finn of the Feinn!
Away with the chief,
My joy is all fled.
No friends mong the great,
No courtesy.
No gold, no queen,
No princes and chiefs.
Sad am I now,
Our head ta’en away !
I’m a shaking tree,
My leaves all gone.
An empty nut,
A reinless horse,
Sad, sad am I,
A feeble kern.
Ossian I, the son of Finn,
Strengthless in deed.
1 The word ‘ naoimh,” here trans-
lated “‘ saints,” is not necessarily asso-
ciated with Christianity. The word
*‘naomh,” holy, is one belonging origin-
ally to the Gaelic language, and not in-
troduced, like many ecclesiastical terms,
from the Latin and Greek. The phrase
may be rendered ‘“ sacred Erin,” a
character belonging to the island, in
popular belief, even previous to the
Christian period. It is a curious fact,
that the feat of destroying all the ver-
min in Ireland was, in a later age, at-
tributed to St. Patrick. It would ap-
pear that this was but a transference
of a portion of the glory of Finn to the
Christian Saint,—a remarkable instance
among many of early Christianity bor-
rowing, not very wisely, the laurels of
heathenism.
— a
HE DEAN OF LISMORE.
When Finn did live
All things were mine.
Seven sides had the house
Of Cumhal’s son.
Seven score shields
On every side.
Fifty robes of wool
Around the King.
Fifty warriors
Filled the robes.
Ten bright cups
For drink in his hall.
Ten blue flagons,
Ten horns of gold.
A noble house
Was that of Finn.
No grudge nor lust,
Babbling nor sham ;
No man despised
Among the Feinn.
The first himself,
All else like him.
Finn was our chief,
Easy his praise,
Noblest of Kings.
Finn neer refused
To any man,
Howe’er unknown ;
Neer from his house
Sent those who came.!
! Hospitality was one of the highest
qualifications of a Celtic chief. Ossian
never fails to sing the generous, open-
handed hospitality of his father Finn.
Till a late period the same feature of char-
acter distinguished the Scottish High-
lander, althongh modern civilisation is
fast uprooting it, and overlaying the
character of the simple Highlander with
the selfishness peculiar to itself.. Even
now, in most part of the Highlands, the
door of ahut is never closed by day,—
a practice said to originate in the uni-
versal sense of the ready reception due
to the wayfarer and the stranger. Is the
seven sides of Fingal’s house an orien-
talism ?
30 THE BOOK OF
Good man was Finn,
Good man was he.
No gifts e’er given
Like his so free.
"Twas yesterday week.
The author of this is Allan M‘Rorie.'
Glenshee,? the vale that close beside me lies,
Where sweetest sounds are heard of deer and elk,
And where the Feinn did oft pursue the chase,
Following their hounds along the lengthening vale.
Below the great Ben Gulbin’s® grassy height
1 This Poet is obviously a Scotchman;
but judging from another of his compo-
sitions in this volume, he was, like the
Scottish bards of his time, well acquainted
with the bardic literature of Ireland.
This arose from the frequent intercourse
between the two countries during their
early history, and the number of Scotch-
men educated both in the Medical and
Bardic Schools of Ireland. This is one
of the circumstances which renders it so
difficult now, in the absence of authen-
tic historical documents, to extricate
much of the social history of the two
countries. Hence the rival Scottish and
Trish claims to many of our Celtic lite-
rary remains. There is no doubt that
the poets of both countries interwove
with their compositions the traditions of
the race, without much regard to whether
these were Scotch or Irish. The Irish
trace this common literature to the fact
of the Irish colonization of Scotland,
which they maintain was the origin of
the Celtic population of the latter coun-
try ; but it is by no means necessary to
go so far back in order to find sufficient
cause for the fact. Christianity seems
to have formed the first solid basis of
union between the two countries, and a
common Christianity was without doubt
the means of long maintaining it. This
composition is usually called ‘ Bas
Dhiarmaid,” The death of Diarmad.
2 A valley in the eastern part of Perth-
shire, where the grave of Diarmad is
pointed out to this day. M‘Rorie ap-
pears to have been an inhabitant of the
neighbourhood, for he speaks of Glen-
shee as being close beside him. The
name of Glenshee is derived from the
word ‘‘ Gleann,”’ a valley, and “ sith,” a
hill of a peculiar form. This word is
found in the names of several Scottish
hills, as “Sith challain,” Schihallion ;
*‘ Beinn shith,” Ben Hi; ‘An t-Sith
mhor,” the great pointed hill. *‘ Sithan,”
a hillock. The word has been often mis-
taken for ‘‘Sith,” peace, whence the
name ‘‘Sitheach, sithichean,” a fairy,
JSairies, has been absurdly rendered the
peace folk, instead of the folk of the hills,
referring to their reputed residence in
earthen mounds.
3 “« Ben Gulbin,” the mountain of the
beak, lies at the head of Glenshee. There
is a hill with a similar name in Ireland,
whence Conall Gulbain, one of the kings
of Ulster, took his designation. There
is a “‘ water of Gulbin,” and a “ Torgul-
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 31
Of fairest knolls that lie beneath the sun,
The valley winds.
Its streams did oft run red,
After a hunt by Finn and by the Feinn.
Listen now while I detail the loss
Of one, a hero in this gentle band:
Tis of Ben Gulbin, and of generous Finn,
And Mac O’Duine,' in truth a piteous tale.
A mournful hunt indeed it was for Finn,
When Mac O’Duine, he of the ruddiest hue,
Up to Ben Gulbin went, resolved to hunt
The boar,” whom arms had never yet subdued.
Though Mac O’Duine, of brightest burnished arms,
Did bravely slay the fierce aa furious boar,
Yet Finn’s deceit did him induce to yield ;
bin,” in the braes of Lochaber; but the
reference to Glenshee fixes the scene of
the death of Diarmad in Perthshire. There
is, as is common in Highland topography,
a stream called Gulbin, whence a valley
of the same name, and then a mountain.
The names in similar cases seem to have
been primarily attached to the streams,
whence they ascended through the val-
leys to the hills) We have an instance
of this in the River Nevis, Glen Nevis,
Ben Nevis, the ‘‘ neamhais,” referring to
_ its impetuosity, having been in all like-
lihood originally applied to the stream.
1 Mac O’Duine is the patronymic of
Diarmad, Hence the Campbell clan, be-
sides being called “‘Clann Diarmaid,”
The race of Diarmad, are called also
“Clann O’Diine,” or The children of
O’ Duine.
2 The chase of the boar was a favourite
employment among the ancient Celts.
It is celebrated in many of their tales.
Besides this, the sow enters largely into
their ancient mythology. Even in this
case the boar was possessed of magical
properties, as will be seen in the subse-
quent portion of this poem. It is not
unlikely that at an early period the Celts
worshipped the sow like the Egyptians,
whose worship of it might have been one
reason why it was pronounced unclean.
Whether the Celts worshipped it or not,
it is manifest that it was held in high
esteem, for its figure is engraved on most
of the ancient sculptured stones of Scot-
land. Among the Welsh it is a national
emblem, and hence one argument for the
ancient Picts being British, as these
stones are found confined to the ancient
Pictish territory. The word ‘‘muc,” asow,
enters largely into Scottish topography.
We have “ Eilean nam muc,” the Jsle of
muck, or Sow island. The ancient name
of St. Andrews was “‘ Muc ros,” the Sow’s
headland, and we know that the sow is
associated with the memory of St. Regu-
lus. There is a ‘‘ Bridge of Turk,” or the
Boar’s bridge, near the Trosachs, There
isa ‘‘Slochd muice,” or the Sow’s hollow,
near Inverness, on the Highland road, a
name derived from a hillock shaped like
a sow’s back, in the bottom of the chasm
a little to the west of where the coach
road crosses ; and there is ‘‘Sron muice,”
The Sow’s snout, on the north side of
Loch Ness, derived from the resemblance
of a hill-face to that part of the animal.
These two latter names are manifestly
derived from natural resemblances, and
have nothing to do with mythology.
32 THE BOOK OF
And this it was that did his grievous hurt.
Who among men was so beloved as he ?
Brave Mac O’Duine, beloved of the schools ;!
Women all mourn this sad and. piteous tale
Of him who firmly grasped the murderous spear.
Then bravely did the hero of the Feinn
Rouse from his cover in the mountain side,
The great old Boar, him so well known in Shee,
The greatest in the wild boar’s haunt e’er seen.
Glad now was Finn, the man of ruddiest hue,
Beneath Ben Gulbin’s soft and grassy side ;
For swift the boar now coursed along the heath ;
Great was the ull came of that dreadful hunt.
"Twas when he heard the Feinn’s loud ringing shout,
And saw approach the glittering of their arms,
The monster waken’d from his heavy sleep,
-
And stately moved before them down the vale.
First, to distance them he makes attempt,
The great old boar, his bristles stiff on end,
These bristles sharper than a pointed spear,
Their point more piercing than the quiver’s shaft.
Then Mac O’Duine with arms well pointed too,
Answers the horrid beast with ready hand :
Away from his side there rushed the heavy spear,
Hard following on the course the boar pursued.
The javelin’s shaft fell shivered into three,
The shaft recoiling from the boar’s tough hide.
The spear hurled by his warm red-fingered hand
Ne’er penetrated the body of the boar.
Then from its sheath he drew his thin-leaved? sword,
Of all the arms most crown’d with victory ;
1 The “ schools,” referred to frequent-
ly in Ossianic tales, were probably mi-
litary, although there can be no doubt
that there was a learned class among the
ancient Celts. Cesar tells us, as already
observed, that the Gauls used the Greek
letters, and that their priests were edu-
cated in Britain. The ‘‘ oghum” charac-
ter, whose antiquity is pretty thoroughly
established, is another evidence of an-
cient literary cultivation.
2 The Gaelic is “ tan-lann,” the thin
sword. Was this steel or merely bronze?
The thinness would seem to indicate steel.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. ; 33
Mac O’Duine did there the monster kill,
While he himself escaped without a wound.
Then on Finn of the Feinn did sadness fall,
And on the mountain side he sat him down ;
‘It grieved his soul that generous Mac O’Duine
Should have escaped unwounded by the boar.
For long he sat, and never spake a word,
Then thus he spake, although ’t be sad to tell,
“ Measure, Diarmad, the boar down from the snout,
And tell how many feet ’s the brute in length.”
What Finn did ask he never yet refused;
Alas! that he should never see his home.
Along the back he measures now the boar,
Light-footed Mac O’Duine of active step.
“ Measure it the other way against the hair,
And measure, Diarmad, carefully the boar.”
It was indeed for thee a mournful deed,
Youth of the sharply-pointed piercing arms.
He went, the errand grievous was and sad,
And measured for them once again the boar.
Th’ envenomed pointed bristle sharply pierced
The sole of him,! the bravest in the field.
Then fell and lay upon the grassy plain
The noble Mac O’Duine, whose look spoke truth ;
Ile fell and lay along beside the boar,
And there you have my mournful, saddening tale.
There does he lie now wounded to the death,
Brave Mac O’Duine, so skilful in the fight ;
The most enduring evn among the Feinn,
He lies upon the knoll I see on high,
The blue-eyed hawk that dwelt at Essaroy,”
The conqueror in every sore-fought field,
1 It is hardly necessary to point out
the resemblance here between the sole
of Diarmad and the heel of Achilles.
Achilles could only be wounded in the
heel, Diarmad only in the sole of the
foot. The Adonis of the ancient Greeks
was slain by a boar. There are remark-
able analogies between classical and
Celtic tradition.
2 Essaroy, vide supra, p. 18,n. This
is manifestly the Essaroy of Scotland,
which is in the heart of one of the finest
34 THE BOOK OF
Slain by the poisoned bristle of the boar.
Now does he lie full stretched upon the hill,
Brave, noble Diarmad Mac O’Duine!
Slain, it is shame! victim of jealousy.’
Whiter his body than the sun’s bright light,
Redder his lips than blossoms tinged with red ;
Long yellow locks did rest wpon his head,
His eye was clear beneath the covering brow,
Its colour mingled was of blue and grey ;
Waving and graceful were his locks behind,?
His.speech was elegant and sweetly soft;
His hands the whitest, fingers tipped with red ;
Elegance and power were in his form,
His fair soft skin covering a faultless shape,
No woman saw him but he won her love.
Mac O’Duine crowned with his countless victories,
Ne’er shall he raise his eye in courtship more,
Or warriors’ wrath give colour to his cheek ;
The following of the chase, the prancing steed,
Will never move him, nor the search for spoil.
He who could bear him well in every fight,
Has now us sadly left in that wild vale.
hunting regions in the world. Nor is it
at any great distance from either of the
Gulbins.
1 Grainne, the wife of Finn, had
formed an unlawful attachment to Diar-
mad. The latter had what is called a
‘* Ball seirce,” or beauty spot, which no
woman could resist. Hence Finn’s jeal-
ousy and desire to destroy Diarmad. The
word rendered here “ naire,” shame, is
_in the MS. ‘‘noor,” gold. If this be the
accurate reading, Grainne’s dowery must
have formed an element in the conflict.
2 Yellow was the favourite colour of
the ancient Celt. ‘ Falt buidh,” yellow:
hair, is an object of the highest admira-
tion, and the longer and more waving the
locks, the greater the admiration. The
Glenshee.
account the Celt gives of himself is
somewhat different from that given by
his neighbours, who would paint him a
wiry, thin, black-haired, black-eyed man.
Tacitus gave a different description ;
and any man who travels the Highlands
of Perthshire, where, perhaps, we have
the purest Celtic blood in Scotland, will
have ample evidence of the accuracy of
the Roman historian. With reference
to the admiration of the yellow colour
among the Celts, it is interesting to trace
how it intermingles itself with the voca-
bulary of the language ; thus, a jine day
is a yellow day. The name given to
Beltin day, the opening of summer, is,
*‘la buidhe Beallteine,” yellow Beltin
day ; and anything propitious is called
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 35
The author of this is Allan M‘Rory."
To-night my mourning is great,
Thou tonsured priest whom I love, _-
While I reflect on the fight,
With red-tree” Cairbar we fought,
Son to great Cormaig O’Cuinn,
Woe to the Feinn whom he seized ;
A king who ne’er shunned the fight,
And feared not the face of man.
The Feinn to a man did serve,
Finn and the good race of Conn,
Till the day of Cairbar Roy ;
Nor evil nor weakness fear’d.
Brave Cairbar his people addressed,
Deceitful indeed was the speech.
yellow, as, ‘is buidhe dhuit e,” 7 ds
yellow or propitious for you ; anda man
satisfied after a meal is called ‘‘ buidh-
each,” yellow or satisfied.
1 This is the second composition of
M‘Rory’s given in the Dean’s MS. The
present is as purely Irish in its incidents
as the former was Scotch, the author
having been in all likelihood, as already
shown, a Scotchman, but perfectly fami-
liar with the events of Irish history, and
equally so with what is called the Irish
dialect, although in the day of the Dean
it was common to the literature of both
countries, with a few variations. It will
be seen, for instance, that in several of
these pieces the lrish negative nz and
the Scottish cha, are used indifferently.
This composition has been published at
much greater length than here, under the
name of Ossian, but from MSS. appar-
ently of no antiquity. This poem is
usually called ‘‘Cath Ghabhra,” ‘the
battle of Gaura,” or ‘‘ Bas Osgair,” “‘ the
death of Oscar.”
2 The ‘“‘red-tree” knights were the
knights of Emania, or Ulster. Cesar
mentions the order of eguites, or knights,
as one of the three great leading classes
into which the Gauls were divided; so
that the existence of such an order in
Treland, at an early period, is in no way
inconsistent with what history relates of
ancient Celtic policy. Cairbar was the
son of Cormac, son of Art, son of Conn.
of the hundred battles, Irish kings of
the Emanian race. Finn, according to
O'Flaherty, was married to a daughter of
Cormac, so that this battle with Cairbar
was in reality with his brother-in-law.
It seems to have originated in the Feinn,
who are said to have been a species of
militia, or rather a standing army in Ire-
land, becoming disposed to stretch their
prerogative farther than was agreeable
to the monarch, and that the object of
Cairbar in this battle was to put them
down. It is said that the Feinn were
supported by the provincial king of
Munster. This is Irish history, and it
is remarkable to find these events sung
by a Scottish Poet.
36
THE BOOK OF
In battle would he choose to fall,
The Feinn and he together,
Ere even as a King he’d live
With Erin beneath the Feinn.
Barrin then spoke boldly out,
Remember Muckrey* and Art ;
How your great ancestors fell,
Resisting the Feinn’s deceit ;
Remember their cruel bonds,
Remember their pride and guile ;
And that we ne’er knew of war,
But such as was stirr’d by Mac Cul.
Then did the race of Conn resolve,
In counsel with Cairbar Roy,
That they’d at once assail us,
And the whole of us destroy.
They'd have days of joy and feasting,
Great Alvin cleared of the Feinn.
Then would all grief be dead,
Nor could they a tax demand.
Fiercely and bravely we fought,
That fight the fight of Gaura ;
There did fall our noble Feinn,
Sole to sole with Ireland’s kings.
From India far in the east,
To Fodla? here in the west,
' Muckrey, or “ The island of Swine,”
is an ancient name for Ireland, derived
obviously, not as it might be in modern
times, from the abundance of the ani-
mal in the country, where it is the sum
total of the family possessions in many
instances, but from the place which the
sow held, as referred to already, in the
national mythology. It is obvious from
the reference in this line to a differ-
ence with the Feinn, that that was no
new event in the history of the Irish
monarchs.
2 Another name for Ireland. O’Fla-
herty says there were five names for the
island, and quotes a scholiast of the
name of Fiach, who lived a thousand
years before. The names are Ere, Fodla,
Banba, Fail, and Elga. Might we not
add to these the much-disputed name of
Scotia, which our Irish neighbours claim,
yet don’t possess. Surely it is time now
oa".
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
The kings did all own our sway,
Till the battle of Gaura was fought.
But since that horrid slaughter,
No tribute nor tax we've raised.
Nor to us was tribute due,
Save by part of Erin’s soil.
Many were there on the earth
Of the folk who felt no-grief.
To both sides how great the loss,
When we each other did destroy,
Should strangers fierce come over,
And seize on beauteous Erin.
Ossian, what would Finn have done
Were burdens laid on Erin ?
By thy hand, most holy Priest,
There were none in all fair Banva,'
37
Save a few aged heroes,
And some younger untried men;
What king might there plant his foot,
Could Fodla have for taking.
No fight, no conflict he’d need,
No stratagem nor struggle.
Eastward we sent ambassadors,
To Fatha of Con’s great son ;
to perceive that the only true and satis-
factory solution of the question regard-
ing it, is that the name.was applied to
both countries, latterly under the dis-
tinctive appellation of Scotia Major and
Scotia Minor, as the countries of the
Scots. Surely Scotland was as much a
Scotia as Ireland, and Ireland as much
as Scotland, in so far as they were both
occupied by Scottish inhabitants. This
identity of race, language, and at an
early period religion, is not sufficiently
allowed for in discussing questions in-
volving the several claims of Scotland
and Ireland to much of what was com-
mon to both. Scotland has suffered more
than Ireland from the destruction of her
early archives; but is not the life of
Columba, so recently given to the world
under the able editorship of Dr. Reeves,
in reality a Scottish work ?
1 “* Banva” is another name for Ire-
land. This is the Gaelic name for a
sucking-pig, so that it also is probably
mythological. It is in all likelihood the
same name with our Scottish Banff.
38
THE BOOK OF
That he might lead us on,
To seize on Erin’s kingdom.
Great grief had now come on you,
From Tara’s loud-spoken King :
New reason had ye given
Why all of you should perish.
Ossian, tell us now the tale,
When ye fought that sturdy fight.
Did thy son in battle die,
Or had he speech when you him found ?
I bent me over valiant Oscar,
Soon as was the slaughter o’er ;
Caoilte too did bend him o’er
His seven valiant sons ;
Each living man among the Feinn
Bent him o’er his own dear friends.
Some of them had still their speech,
From others life had parted.
Priest of the crosier white,
Whoever saw that slaughter,
"Tis an everlasting grief,
Erin’s nobles thus to die.
Many were the hard round shields,
Many precious coats of mail,
And lifeless warriors on the field.
Nor would our people grieve for this
Were they not a vanquished race.
Little from that field was left us,
Save a king’s or chieftain’s spoil.
There found I my own dear son
Laid, on ‘his left arm resting,
His shattered shield beside him,
While his hand still grasped his sword ;
His precious blood on every side,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Flowed swiftly through his harness.
My spear I rested on the earth,
And o’er him stood as he lay ;
Then thought I, O tonsured Priest,
What, now lonely, I could do.
Oscar towards me now turns,
"Twas for me a grievous scene ;
Forth to me he stretched his hand,
Wishing I. should him approach.
Then my dear son’s hand I seized,
And cried out with a bitter cry.
Forward from that time till now,
In this world P’ve useless been.
Thus to me my own son said,
As life was fast departing,
Thanks to the powers above,
That thou’st escaped, dear father.
Nothing do I tell but truth,
A word I could not answer.
Then approached the noble Caoilte,
Who to visit Oscar came.
Gently did Mac Ronain’ say,
How find’st thou thyself, dear friend ?
Just as thou would’st have me be,
Going to a better world.
Cairbar Roy’s spear had pierced,
’Neath the navel, red-armed Oscar ;
The arm of Caoilte up to its bend,
Followed in its course the spear.
Caoilte did deeply search the wound,
And well saw how all stood there.
The wound was through to the back,
1 Another name for Caoilte.
39
_THE BOOK OF
Torn by the murderous spear.
Mac Ronain gave a loud shriek,
And, fainting, fell to the earth.
Then spake Caoilte, the warrior brave,
Recovering from his faint,
Dear Oscar, no more art thou ours ;
Thou and the Feinn must part,
So part must the Feinn with war,
Conn’s race the tribute shall raise.
We had been thus a brief space,
Thou priest, the son of Alpin,
When leaving the slaughter we saw,
All of Fail’s Feinn now living,
There were but two thousand men,
The old and the young together,
And none unwounded returned,
Even of these hundred score.
Nine wounds them grievously pierced,
There were few of them with less.
Then raised we the noble Oscar,
Aloft on the shafts of our spears ;
To a fair green knoll we bore him,
That we his dress might remove.
Of his body one hand’s breadth
Was not whole, down from his hair,
Till you reached the sole of his foot,
Save his face, and that alone.
The entrails, the liver, the spleen,
Each draining the body till day.
The sons of the Feinn did then
To a fair knoll them betake ;
His own son did no man mourn,
Nor did he mourn his brother :
As they saw how lay my son,
All, all did mourn for Oscar.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Thus was it with us a while,
Watching the fair-skinned hero,
When we saw approach at noon
Finn Mae Cumhail, mac Treinvor.
From the fierce slaughter escaped,
A third of the Feinn still lived,
When they laid the sons of Boisgne
Upon their biers, the fight being o’er.
With gashed limbs the men were halt,
The chiefs a dreadful sight.
We saw the standard of Finn
Raised on the shaft of a spear,
Which from the slaughter they bore ;
Gladly to meet it we went.
All of us saluted Finn,
But no salute was returned,
As he climbed the warrior’s hill,
Where deadly-armed Oscar lay.
When by Oscar Finn was seen,
As o’er him sadly he bent,
He turned to him his face,
His grandfather saluting.
Then did my Oscar thus speak
To him who was first of us all :
In death I have my desire,
Noble Finn of pointed arms.
Sad it is, my brave Oscar,
Thou good son of my own son ;
After thee I’m but feeble,
And after Erin’s brave Feinn.
The heavy curse of Art aenir
Is on us to our great grief,
From the east it me pursued,
Following me along the field.
Farewell to battle and fame,
41
42 THE BOOK OF
Farewell to the victor’s spoils,
Farewell to the many joys,
Which in this body I’ve had.
When Oscar had heard Finn’s wail,
Convulsive pangs did him seize.
Both of his hands he stretched forth,
And his soft fair eyelid fell.
From us then Finn turned away,
And shed many bitter tears.
But for Oscar and for Bran,
Never did he shed a tear.
There was none but Finn and I,
Greater than him of the Feinn.
Then did the men give three shrieks,
Which rung through fair Erin all.
Five score hundred, ten hundred and ten,
There were who belonged to us,
Of the Feinn dead on the field,
The number was nothing less.
No lie it is that double,
With Erin’s king, great tale,
Perished on the other side,
Of Erin’s well-armed men.
Finn cheerful or peaceful never
Was from that down to his death ;
Since that fight it touched him sore
That our kings should want their land.
Ever since Gaura’s battle
My speech has lost all its power.
No night or day has e’er passed
Without a sigh for each hour.’
To-night.
1 It may be interesting to many read- _—_—in the county of Caithness, in the year
ers to have here a specimen of this poem, 1856. It commences thus :
as taken down from the oral recitation Is trom an nochd mo chumha fein,
of a Christina Sutherland, an old woman Guilgeantach mo rian,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 43
The author of this here is Fergus the Bard.
High-minded Gaul,”
Who combats Finn,
A hero brave,
Bold in assault,
Smuaineachadh a chath chruaidh,
Chuir mise ’us Cairbar claon ruadh,
Am macsa Chormaic O Chuinn,
Is mairg sinn a tharadh fo ’laimh ;
Laoch gun ghrain cha.do chuir,
Annsa dh’ a laimh iuthaidh, ete.
Translation :—
My mourning is grievous this night,
Weeping is my condition,
As I think of the fierce fight,
Fought with red, squint-eyed Cairbre,
That son of Cormac O Chuinn ;
Woe to them fell into his hands,
Hero who knew no coward fear,
Whose hand took delight in the arrow, ete.
The composition is very much the same
with that of the Dean, but in many por-
tions contains lines which the latter
wants, and in others is comparatively
defective. Although frequently superior
in force, it is not, upon the whole, so
smooth and regular as the Dean’s edi-
tion. It will be given at greater length
in the Appendix to this volume.
1 Fergus the Bard was one of the sons
of Finn, and consequently brother to
Ossian. He was, from all we can learn,
the chief Poet of the Feinn. Ossian was
both warrior and poet; Fergus was
chiefly poet. Fergus was probably some-
what like a modern Gaelic Bard, John
Macdonell, commonly called Ian Lom,
who, on being urged to fight at the
battle between Montrose and Argyle at
Inverlochy, replied with well-assumed in-
dignation, ‘‘ Cha-n e sin mo ghnothuch,
cathaichibh sibhse ’us innsidh mise,”
that is not my business,—fight you and
Pil relate. In one of the odes pre-
served in the Dean’s MS., Fergus is called
‘¢ Pilidh Feinn Eirinn,” Bard ofthe Feinn
of Erin.
2 This composition is usually called,
*Rosg Ghuill,” or the Ode to Gaul.
Gaul was chief of one branch of the Feinn,
the branch denominated ‘‘Clann Moirn,”
or the children of Morn, as Finn was
chief of the other branch, called *‘ Clann
Baoisgne,” or the children of Boisgne.
The word “Gall” means a@ foreigner ;
*‘muirn” means a body of men, or beauty,
elegance, in either sense giving a marked
significance to the name. This poem re-
presents a difference between Gaul and
Finn, the cause of which will appear as
the poem proceeds. Fergus, as was cus-
tomary with the Bards, interposes as
peacemaker, and represents to his father,
whom he manifestly holds to be in the
wrong, the danger of a difference with
Gaul. The ode is a very remarkable one,
having a striking resemblance to Ossian’s
eulogy on Finn, as given already in this
volume. Both bear decided marks of
genuineness and antiquity. The lan-
guage is peculiar, many of the words
being obsolete. Indeed, the phonetic
orthography of the Dean, the peculiar
handwriting, and the discoloration and
bad condition of the MS., with the ob-
soleteness of many of the words, made
it a matter of no little labour to decipher
the composition at all. There is an edi-
tion of it in Miss Brooks’ “‘ Reliques of
Irish Poetry,” from which, however, the
present differs considerably in many of
the lines, besides having several addi-
tional lines, and several deficient in some
parts. The peculiar rhythm of the origi-—
44
THE BOOK OF
His bounty free,
Fierce to destroy.
Beloved of all,
Gaul, gentle, brave,
Son of great Morn ;
Hardy in war,
His praise of old,
A comely man,
King, soldierly, free,
Of no soft speech,
No lack of sense,
Cheerful as great :
In battle’s day
He moved a prince ;
Though soft his skin,
Not soft his deed,
Of portly mould,
A fruitful branch,
His heart so pure,
He trains the young.
‘Bove mountains high
Rises in victory,
We ever fear
When he assails.
I tell you Finn,
Avoid the man,
Terror of Gaul
Should make you quail ;
Soothe him rather,
nal, with the alliterations and vocalic
concords, give it remarkable smoothness
and force. The rhythm has, as far as
possible, been retained in the transla-
tion. But besides the language, the
sentiment of the piece is strong evidence
of its antiquity. Those features of char-
acter are commended which have always
been in favour ina rude age. Bodily
strength, courage, manliness, and size,
are dwelt on with all the warmth of an
ardent admiration; while as much of
literary cultivation is pointed out and
commended, as would show the acquaint-
ance of the hero with the traditions of
his race. Gaul is said to have been
*‘eagnaidh a stair,” learned in history.
This and the ode to Finn have internal
evidence of being compositions belonging
to a very remote age.
_——
tee oe
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Better than fight.
Skilful and just,
He rules his men,
His bounty wide,
A bloody man,
First in the schools,
Of gentle blood,
And noble race,
Liberal, kind,
Untired in fight,
No prince so wise,
Brown are his locks,
Marble his skin,
Perfect his form,
All full of grace,
Fierce to exact,
When aught is due,
In vigour great,
Of fairest face,
No king like Gaul.
I tell thee Finn,
His strength as waves
In battle’s crash,
Princely his gait,
Comely his form,
Gaul’s skill’d fence
No play when roused.
Ready to give,
Dreadful his strength,
Manly his mould,
Soldierly, great,
Ne’er could I tell
His grace and power ;
A fearful foe,
Ready his hands,
Conceal’d his wrath,
A cheerful face.
46
THE BOOK OF
Like murmuring seas,
Rushed to the fight,
A lion bold,
As great in deed,
Powerful his arm,
Choice amidst kings.
Joyful his way,
His teeth so white.
"Tis he that wounds,
The greatest foe.
His purpose firm,
A victor sure,
Desires the fight,
In history learn’d,
Warrior bold,
Sharp is his sword,
Contemptuous Gaul,
Plunders at will.
A fearless man,
Wrathful he is,
Dreadful in look,
Leopard in fight,
Fierce as a hound,
Of women loved.
A circle true
E’er by him stood.
He hurls his dart,
No gentle cast.
Soft are his cheeks,
In blossom rich,
Of beauteous form,
Unchanged success ;
No stream so swift
As his assault,
Mac Morn more brave,
Than any told,
Of powerful speech,
i>. 7") aa
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 47
It far resounds,
He’s truly great,
Liberal, just,
Does not despise,
Yet firm resolves,
Gentle, yet brisk,
Forsakes no friend,
In fight of kings,
No powerless arm.
There, fierce his mien,
And strong his blow.
When roused his wrath,
He’s third of the chase.
Noble Mac Cumhail,
Soothe and promise,
Give peace to Gaul,
Check wrath and guile.
During my day,
Whate’er it be,
I'd give without guile,
A third of the chase.*
Let’s hear no more,
Soft dost thou speak,
Finn’s love to Gaul,
And third of the hounds.
1 It would appear from this latter part
of the poem, that the difference between
Finn and Gaul concerned the right to
hunt. It would appear that such a cause
of controversy is no modern affair, but
that game and game-laws had their place
amoug human interests and human con-
tentions from the earliest period of our
country’s history. Finn seems to have
claimed the right of chase over the whole
territory of the Feinn. Gaul resisted
and claimed a share for the race of Morn.
Hence the contest giving Gaul the ap-
pellation of ‘‘ Fear cogaidh Fhinn,” or
resister of Finn. Fergus’s intervention
resulted in Gaul’s obtaining from Finn,
with good will, one-third of the territory
called here “ fiodh,” or wooded territory,
and one-third of the hounds. There is
a curious reference to these hunting
rights in one of the poems in praise of
the M‘Gregors, given in an after-part of
this volume, in which it is said that Finn
himself dare not hunt without leave.
48 THE BOOK OF
Gaul, leave thy wrath,
With us have peace,
Now without grudge,
Thovw’st of Finn’s forest third.
That will I take,
Fergus, dear friend,
My wrath is gone,
No more I ask.
Friend without guile,
Lips thin and red,
Bounty and strength,
Shall win thee praise.
High-minded Gaul.
The author of this is Fergus the Bard.’
Tell us now, Fergus,
Bard of Erin’s Feinn,
How did fare the day
In Gawra’s furious fight.
Not good, son of Cumhail,
The tidings from Gawyra’s fight.
Dear Oscar lives no more,
He who bravely fought ;
Caoilte’s seven sons are gone,
With the commons of Alvin’s Feinn.
The youth of the Feinn have fallen,
All in their warlike robes.
1 This is another of the compositionsof already. M*‘Rory’s appears to be the
Fergus, the son of Finn, and brother of
Ossian. It will be found to be an. ac-
count of the death of Oscar at the battle
of Gaura. One composition on this sub-
ject by Allan M‘Rory has been given
more modern of the two, besides being
inferior in many respects to this. The
account of Oscar’s death given here, is
in the way of reply to an inquiry of
Finn.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
49
Mac Luy too is dead, |
With six of thy father’s sons.
Fallen are the youth of Alvin,
Dead are the Feinn of Britain.
1
Lochlin’s king’s son is dead,
Who came to give us aid,
He of the manly heart,
And arm at all times strong.
Tell them now, O Bard,
My son’s son, my delight,
How it was that Oscar
Hewed the helmets through.
It would be hard to tell,
"Twould be a heavy task,
To number all that fell,
Slain by the arms of Oscar.
No swifter is a cataract,
Or hawk in sweeping stoop,
Or rapids rushing fast,
Than in that fight was Oscar.
You saw him, last of all,
Like leaves in windy weather,
Or like a noble aspen,
When hewers strike its stem.
When Erin’s King he saw,
Still living midst the fight,
Oscar swift approached him,
As waves break on the strand.
When Cairbar this observed,
He shook his hungry spear,
And through him drove its point.
Chiefest of all our griefs!
Yet Oscar did not quail,
1 Here we have in this very ancient
composition reference to the Feinn of
Britain, Britain including then as now
England, Scotland, and Wales. If the
D
Feinn belonged to Britain as well as Ire-
land, they could not have been a mere
Trish militia.
THE BOOK OF
But made for Erin’s King ;
With force he aimed a blow,
And smote him with his sword.
Then Art mac Cairbar fell,
Struck with the second blow.
So ’twas that Oscar perished,
With glory, as a King.
Fergus the bard am I,
I’ve travelled every land,
I grieve after the Feinn,
To have my tale to tell.
Tell.
This tale is by Gilliecallum M‘ an Olave.*
I have heard a tale of old,
A tale that should make us weep ;
‘Tis time to relate it sadly,
Although it should fill us with grief.
Rury’s* race of no soft grasp,
Children of Connor and Connal ;
Bravely their youth did take the field,
In Ulster’s noble province.
None with joy returned home
Of Banva’s proudest heroes.
1 This is the composition of a Poet
of whom we know nothing save what we
find in this volume. From a poem of
his in praise of the M‘Gregors, he would
appear to have been a Scotchman. The
name signifies Malcom, the son of the
chief bard or the physician. It is found
still in the form of M‘Inally. This poem
is the Celtic edition of the Persian tale °
of Zohrab and Rustum. The incidents
are so similar, that the two tales must
have had a common origin. Whether the
Persians received the tale from the Celts,
or the Celts from the Peisians, or both
from some other and older source, it is
hard to say. The composition is in Gae-
lic, usually called, ‘* Bas Chonlaoich,”
or The death of Conlach.
* Clann Rughraidh, a powerful race,
who occupied the province of Ulster at
an early period, after having expelled .
the Clann Deaghaidh, or the Dalcassians,
afterwards of Munster.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 51.
”
For as they once more tried the fight,
Rury’s race did win the day. —
There came to us, fierce his mien,
The dauntless warrior, Conlach,
To learn of our beauteous land,
From Dunscaich' to Erin.
Connor spoke thus to his men,
“Who’s prepared to meet the youth,
And of him to take account ;
Who will take no refusal 2?”
Then the strong-armed Connal went,
Of the youth to take account ;
The end of their fight was this,
Conlach had bound Connal.
Yet the hero did not halt,
Conlach, brave and vigorous,
He bound a hundred of our men,
It is a strange and mournful tale.
To the hounds’ great chief? a message
Was sent by Ulster’s wise king,
To sunny, fair Dundalgin,*
The old, wise fort of the Gael,
That stronghold of which we read,
And the prudent daughter of Forgan.‘
From thence came he of great deeds
To see our generous king ;
To know of Ulster’s great race,
There came to us the red branch® Cu,
1 Dunscaich, a stronghold in the Isle
of Skye, on the coast of Sleat, of which
the ruins still exist.
? Cuchullin, or the hound of Cullin,
was a famous Celtic warrior, whose fame
is celebrated both in Scotland and Ire-
land. The name is a curious one, and
is thought by some critics to indicate
the existence of Anubis worship, or the
worship of the dog, among the ancient
Celts. There is a Cullin in Skye, and
another in Ireland. From which of these
the name was taken it is difficult to
say. Certainly the Skye mountain is
by far the more magnificent natural ob-
ject, and Dunseaich is unquestionably in
Skye.
3 Dundalgin is said to be the modern
Dundalk.
4 Cuchullin’s wife is said to have been
unwilling that he should engage Conlach.
5 Cu is a dog or hound. The “red —
52
THE BOOK OF
His teeth like pearl, cheeks like berries.
“ Long,” said Connor to the Cu,
“ Has been thine aid in coming,
While Connal, who loves bold steeds,
Is bound and a hundred more.”
“Sad for me to be thus bound,
Friend, who could’st soon unloose me.”
“ T couldn’t encounter his sword,
And that he has bound brave Connal.”
“ Refuse not to attack him,
Prince of the sharp, blue sword,
Whose arm ne’er quailed in conflict,
Think of thy patron now in bonds.”
When Cuchullin of the thin-leaved sword
Heard the lament of Connal,
He moved in his arm’s great might
To take of the youth account.
“Tell us now that I have come,
Youth who fearest not the fight,
Tell us now, and tell at once,
Thy name, and where’s thy country ?”
“Ere I left home I had to pledge
That I should never that relate ;
Were I to tell to living man,
For thy love’s sake I'd tell it thee.”
“Then must thou with me battle do,
Or tell thy tale as a friend.
Choose for thyself, dear youth,
But mind, to fight me is a risk.
Let us not fight, I pray thee,
Brave leopard, pride of Erin,
Boldest in the battle field,
My name I would tell unbought.”
Then did they commence the fight,
Nor was it the fight of women.
branch” heroes were the knights of Ul- _— tary orders. Cuchullin is often called
ster, the most famous of the Irish mili- “¢Cu nan con,” or The hound of hounds.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 53
The youth received a deadly wound,
He of the vigorous arm.
Yet did Cuchullin of battles,
The victory on that day lose.
His only son had fallen, slain,
That fair, soft branch, so gentle, brave.
“Tell us now,” said skilful Cu,
“ Since thou art at our mercy,
Thy name and race, tell us in full,
Think not to refuse thy tale.”
“ Conlach I, Cuchullin’s son,
Lawful heir of great Dundalgin,
It was I thou left’st unborn,
When in Skiath! thou wast learning.
Seven years in the east I spent,
Gaining knowledge from my mother ;
The pass by which I have been slain
Was all I needed still to learn.”
Then does the great Cuchullin see?
His dear son’s colour change ;
As of his generous heart he thinks,
His memory and mind forsake hin ;
His body’s excellency departs,
His grief it was destroyed it ;
Seeing as he lay on the earth
The rightful heir of Dundalgin ;
Where shall we find his like,
Or how detail our grief?
I have.
! The Isle of Skye. saking her, had laid her plans for secur-
2 The touching incident in this story ing this object, and had sent her son
is the death of the son by the hand of _ into Ireland under vow never to disclose
his own father. It is said that Conlach’s his name until overcome in battle.
mother, in revenge for Cuchullin’s for-
54 THE BOOK OF
The author of this is the Blind O’Cloan.'
"Tis the sigh of a friend from Fraoch’s green mound,
*Tis the warrior’s sigh from his lonely bier,
"Tis a sigh might grieve the manly heart,
And might make a maid to weep.
Here to the east the cairn, where lies
Fraoch Fitheach’s son of softest locks,
Who nobly strove to favour Mai, |
And from whom Cairn? Fraoch is named.
In Cruachan east a woman weeps,
A mournful tale ’tis she laments ;
Heavy, heavy sighs she gives
For Fraoch mac Fithich of ancient fame.
She ’tis, in truth, who sorely weeps,
As Fraoch’s green mound she visits oft ;
Maid of the locks that wave so fair,
Mai’s daughter so beloved of men.
This night Orla’s soft-haired daughter,
Lies side by side with Fraoch mac Fithich.
1 The author of this composition is
altogether unknown, nor is it easy to
decipher even the name accurately. In
the original it is distinctly “in keich o
eloan.” According to the Dean’s usual
orthography, this should be ‘‘ An caoch
O’Cluain,” which means the blind O’
Cloan, or the blind man from the green
mound, Some of the readers of the
MS. have made it out to be the name
of a woman. We have given the form
of the name most likely to be accur-
ate. The composition itself is usually
called ‘‘Bas Fhraoich,” or the death of
Fraoch.
? “Caiseal chro,” usually translated
bier, isacuriousterm. ‘‘Caiseal” means
a castle or stronghold, “cro,” a fold or
pen; so that the word really means the
stone pen, or fortified pen. Is not this
in all likelihood the stone coffin, with
which we are so familiar in ancient Celtic
sepulture ?
3 It is not easy identifying the topo-
graphy of this poem. It is generally
believed in Perthshire that the scene of
Fraoch’s death was in Glen Cuaich, a
valley lying between those of the Tay
and the Almond. We have a Loch
Fraoch there, but I have not been able to
identify Carn Fraoich, or Carn Laimh.
Cruachan is spoken of as lying to the
east, which goes rather in favour of the
opinion, that the scene of the poem was
in Argyleshire, Ben Cruachan being to
the east of the locality so designated in
that part of the country. I cannot find
any lake in Scotland now called Loch
Mai, although Loch Fraoch may have
been so called.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 55
Many were the men who loved her,
She, of them all, loved Fraoch alone.
Mai is filled with bitter hate,
As the love of Fraoch she learns.
His body got its grievous wounds, »
Because with her he’d do no wrong ;
She doomed him to a bitter death :
Judge not of women by her deed,
Grief ’twas that he should fall by Mai,
Yet Ill relate it without guile. A sigh.
A rowan tree stood in Loch Mai,
We see its shore there to the south ;
Tivery quarter every month,
It bore its fair, well-ripened fruit ;
There stood the tree alone, erect,
Its fruit than honey sweeter far ;
That precious fruit so richly red,
Did suffice for a man’s nine meals ;
A year it added to man’s life —
The tale I tell is very truth.
Health to the wounded it could bring,
Such virtue had its red-skinned fruit.
One thing alone was to be feared
By him who sought men’s ills to soothe :
A monster? fierce lay at its root,
Which they who sought its fruit must fight.
A heavy, heavy sickness fell
On Athach’s daughter, of liberal horn ;
Her messenger she sent for Fraoch,
Who asked her what ’twas ailed her now.
Mai said her health would ne’er return,
Unless her fair soft palm was filled
1 The introduction of the “sigh,” logy between this tale and that of Her-
would seem to indicate that a sigh was cules and the garden of the Hesperides.
expected at certain parts of the poem It will strike any one acquainted with
from the reciter. the classical story.
* It is needless to point out the ana-
56
THE BOOK OF
With berries from the deep cold lake,
Gleaned by the hand of none but Fraoch.
“Neer have I yet request refused,”
Said Fithich’s son of ruddy hue ;
“ Whate’er the lot of Fraoch may be,
The berries I will pull for Mai.”
The fair-formed Fraoch then moved away
Down to the lake, prepared to swim.
He found the monster in deep sleep,
With head up-pointed to the tree. A sigh.
Fraoch Fithich’s son of pointed arms,
Unheard by the monster, then approached.
He plucked a bunch of red-skinned fruit,
And brought it to where Mai did lie.
“Though what thou did’st thou hast done well,”
Said Mai, she of form so fair,
“ My purpose nought, brave man, wilt serve,
But that from the root thou’dst tear the tree.”
No bolder heart there was than Fraoch’s,
Again the slimy lake he swam ;
Yet great as was his strength, he couldn't
Escape the death for him ordained.
Firm by its top he seized the tree,
And from the root did tear it up :
With speed again he makes for land,
But not before the beast awakes.
Fast he pursues, and, as he swam,
Seized in his horrid maw his arm.
Fraoch by the jaw then grasped the brute,
‘Twas sad for him to want his knife :
The maid of softest. waving hair,
In haste brought him a knife of gold.
The monster tore his soft white skin,
And hacked most grievously his arm.
Then fell they, sole to sole opposed,
Down on the southern stony strand,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 57
Fraoch mac Fithich, he and the beast,
’Twere well that they had never fought."
Fierce was the conflict, yet ‘twas long,—
The monster’s head at length he took.
When the maid what happened saw,
Upon the strand she fainting fell.
Then from her trance when she awoke,
In her soft hand she seized his hand :
“ Although for wild birds thou art food,
Thy last exploit was nobly done.”
’Tis from that death which he met then,
The name is given to Loch Mai ;
That name it will for ever bear, |
Men have called it so till now. A sigh.
They bear along to Fraoch’s green mound
The hero’s body to its grave.
By his name they call the glen,
Sad for those he left behind.
- Cairn Laive is the hill beside me,
Close by it many a happy day
The hero lived, of matchless strength,
The bravest heart in battle’s day.
Lovely those lips with welcomes rich,
Which woman liked so well to kiss ;
Lovely the chief whom men obeyed,
Lovely those cheeks like roses red,
Than raven’s hue more dark his hair,
Redder than hero’s blood his cheeks ;
Softer than froth of streams his skin,
Whiter it was than whitest snow ;
His hair in curling locks fell down,
His eye more blue than bluest ice ;
Than rowans red more red his lips,
1 The story is simple and intelligible. ~cheann, or Fairhead. She accordingly
Mai loved Fraoch, and became jealous of planned and accomplished Fraoch’s de-
her own daughter, usually called Geal- _ struction as related.
58 THE BOOK OF
Whiter than blossoms were his teeth ;
Tall was his spear like any mast,
Sweeter his voice than sounding chord ;
None could better swim than Fraoch,
Who ever breasted running stream.
Broader than any gate his shield,
Joyous he swung it o’er his back ;
His arm and sword of equal length,
In size he like a ship did look.
Would it had been in warrior’s fight
That Fraoch, who spared not gold, had died ;
"Twas sad to perish by a Beast,
"Tis just as sad he lives not now.
"Tis the sigh.
The author of this is Connal Cearnach M‘Edirskeol.!
These heads, O Connal, are worthless ;
Though thou must have blooded thine arms.
These heads thou bear’st upon that withe,
Can’st tell their owners, now thy spoil ?
Daughter of Orgill of the steeds,
Youthful Evir, so sweet of speech,
’Twas to avenge Cuchullin’s death,
That I took these numerous heads.
Whose is that hairy, black, great head,
With cheeks than any rose more red,
1 This is the most ancient of all the
Ossianic Poets. He was contemporary
of Cuchullin, who flourished, according
to Irish historians, in the first century.
Cuchullin was his foster-son, and upon
his being slain, Conall took vengeance
upon his enemies by putting them all to
death. In this poem he tells Evir, who
was either the wife or the betrothed of
Cuchullin, the names of those thus put
to death, and whose heads he carried on
a withe. The name M‘Edarscoil is re-
presented now by that of O’Driscol ;
**Cearnach” means victorious, so that
the poet’s name is really, The Victorious
Conall O’ Driscoll.
* Cuchullin, or The Hound of Cullin,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 59
That which hangs nighest thy left arm,
The head whose colour has not changed ?
That head the king of swift steeds own’d,
Said Cairbar’s son of vigorous lance ;
In vengeance for my foster son,
I took that head and bore it far.
What head is that I see beyond,
Covered with smooth, soft, flowing hair,
His eye like grass, his teeth like bloom,
His beauty such as none is like ?
Manadh, the man that own’d the steeds,
Aoife’s son, who plunder’d every sea ;
I left his trunk ’reft of its head,
I slew his people, every man.
What head is that I see thee grasp,
Great Connal of the gentle streams ;
Since that Cuchullin! now is dead,
Whom to avenge him did’st thou take ?
‘Tis the head of Mac Fergus of steeds,
He in extremity so bold,
My sister’s son from the tall tower,
His head I from his body wrenched.
What fair-haired head is that to the east,
Whose hand might well have seized the heads ;
Well did I know his voice of old,
For he and I were friends awhile ?
case. In the English version it is uni-
is often spoken of simply as ‘‘ An Cu,”
or The Hound. In the Gaelic this is
either ‘‘ Cu” or *‘ Con,” according as the
word is. in the nominative or genitive
formly translated Cu, as it would be im-
possible to follow intelligibly the varia-
tions of the Gaelic grammar in the cases
of a proper noun.
60
THE BOOK OF
Down there it was the Cu did fall,
His body cast in fairest mould ;
Cu, son of Con, of poets’ king,
Among the last I took his head.
What two heads are those farthest out,
Great Connal of the sweetest voice ;
Of thy great love hide not from me
The names of them so dark in arms ?
"Tis Laoghar’s head and that of Cuilt,
The two who fell pierced by my arms ;
One of them had Cuchullin struck,
Hence his red blood my weapons dyes.
What two heads are those to the east,
Great Connal of the famous deeds ;
Alike the colour of their hair,
Than hero’s blood more red their cheeks ?
Cullin the handsome, and Cunlad brave,
Two who e’er triumphed in their wrath ;
Evir, their heads are to the east,
I left their bodies streaming red.
What are those six hideous heads
I see in front facing the north ;
Blue in the face, their hair so black,
From which thou turn’st thy look, brave Connal ?
These are six of Cuchullin’s foes,
Calliden’s sons, who triumphed oft ;
These are now the senseless six
Who all, full armed, fell by my hand.
Great Connal, father to a king,
What is that head, noblest of all ;
EEE
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 61
How bushy the golden yellow locks, -
Covering it with so much grace ?
_ The head of M‘Finn, M‘Ross the red,
The son of Cruith, slain by my stroke ;
Evir, he was king, chief of them all,
In Leinster of the spotted swords.
_ Great Connal, now please change thy tale,
Tell us the number slain by thine arm,
Of all the noble famous men,
In vengeance for the head of Con ?
Ten and seven score hundred men,
I tell the truth, the number is,
That fell by me, all back o’er back,
Fruit of my bravery and power.
Connal, tell how the women feel
In Innisfail, the Cu being dead ;
Do they sadly, sorely mourn,
Now that like me themselves have grief ?
O Evir, what am I to do,
Now that my Cu is ta’en away ;
My foster-son of fairest form,
Now that he’s left me desolate ?
O Connal, lay me in my grave,
And raise my stone o’er that of Cu; —
In grief I'll soon from this depart,
Let my lips touch Cu’s lips in death.
Evir am I, of fairest form,
No vengeance can me satisfy ;
62 THE BOOK OF
In tears no pleasure I can find,
Tis sad that I am left behind.’
Connal.
The author of this is Caoilte Mac Ronan.”
I set me off to rescue Finn,
To Taura of the joyful streams ;
With arms sure of victory,
To Cormac, son of Art Aonir.’
I will not put forth my strength,
Though bloody and light of foot,
Until that with the Feinn of Fail,
We have reached the shore of Loch Foyle.
Then did we slay the mighty hero,
When we had slain Cuireach.*
We killed a mighty warrior
When we had killed their leader.
1 This poem is usually called ‘‘ Laoidh
nan ceann,” or The Lay of the Heads.
It bears many marks of genuineness and
antiquity. It is well known in the High-
lands, but the Editor has never seen or
heard any reference to its authorship,
except in the MS. of the Dean.
2 This is a remarkable composition,
descriptive of an attempt of Caoilt to
deliver his friend and patron Finn from
the hands of Cormac M‘Art, King of Ire-
land, against whom the Feinn had been
stirring up rebellion. Caoilt, after va-
rious strange doings, is told that he can
only have Finn’s liberty on condition of
bringing to Tara a pair of all the wild
animals in Ireland. A portion of the
poem has been translated in Ireland, and
published in the Dublin University Ma-
gazine for March 1854, in connexion with
an interesting paper upon the food of the
ancient Irish, and the early zoology of
their country, by Dr. Wilde. The trans-
lation is by that eminent Irish scholar,
Mr. E. O’Curry. In that paper the poem
is said to be at least a composition of the
ninth century. It must be of extreme
antiquity, as a reference to the language
of it presents an amount of difficulty
owing to obsolete words and phrases
rarely met with. The Editor had the
advantage of submitting his work to the
review of Mr. O’Curry. For the topo-
graphy of the poem, which is altogether
Irish, the Editor has to refer the reader
to the notes to the paper in the number
of the Dublin University Magazine, re-
ferred to above, which are very full and
very instructive.
8 Art, King of Ireland, was called
** Aonfhir,” or The Solitary, from his
love of solitude.
4 Cuireach was
prince.
a famous Leinster
1 Buadhamair, the ancient name of
Cahir, in Tipperary.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
We bore his head up to the hill,
Which lies above Buadhamaivr.’
Then indeed I had my triumph,
For I made a total havoe.
For the hero’s sake I slew
A man in every town? in Erin.
Then indeed I had my triumph,
For I made a total havoe.
For the hero’s sake I brought
Grief into every house in Erin.
Then indeed I had my triumph,
For I made a total havoc.
The calves I slew with the cows,
Whom I found in all fair Erin.
Then indeed I had my triumph,
For I made a total havoe.
The doors on which the red wind? blew, ©
I threw them each one widely open.
Then indeed I had my triumph,
For I made a total havoc.
The fields all ripe throughout the land,
I set them then a blazing brightly.
Then indeed I had my triumph,
For I made a total havoc.
In my day there won't be seen
Either mill or kiln in Erin.
Then it was they loosed against me
: The horse of Albin and of Erin.
My fleetness gave me victory,
Until I reached Ros illirglass.
Then I westward took my way
To Taura, although great the distance ;
Not one horse of all the troop —
2 In Gaelic, a farm is called ‘ baile,” structive.
a town.
63
3 The red wind, a magical wind said
to blow in Ireland, and to be very de-
64
THE BOOK OF
Had: Taura reached so soon as I did.
In Taura then I gave that day
The wife of him who cared not for her.
I gave the wife of him who cared not,
To him who cared for his as little ;
In noble Taura then I gave
The wife of Cairbar to Cormac.
The wife of Cormac also gave,
Just as I had done, to Cairbar.
The king’s sword then I firmly seized,
A sword of matchless power and virtue ;
My own sword, fit for little now,
I left it in the sheath of Cormac.
Then I passed me quickly over,
And from the door-keeper got his garment.
From whence it happened, it is true,
I became candlestick to Cormac.
Then did I many strange things do,
In presence of the King of Erin.
“Though ye may wonder at my speech,
Caoilte’s two eyes are in my candlestick.”
“Say thou not so,” said noble Finn,
The fair-haired prince of all the Feinn ;
“Though I may now thy prisoner be,
Cast not reproach upon my people,
Such is not Caoilte’s noble nature,
Nought he does but what is generous.
He would not hold a servile candle
For any gold that earth may yield.”
Then did I draw forth his drink
For the excellent, manly king.
Four steps, one after the other,
I went along with him to serve him.
Then I betook myself to his right,
"Twas one source of my sharp sorrow ;
I gave him of my own free will
A dirge so grating, loud, and mournful.
Sees ee
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
“ Strange that he should give me this,”
Said the clever, well-formed king.
“The music smells of Caoilte’s own skin,
This mournful, unharmonious dirge.”
“Do not thou say so, O King,”
Said I, in his servant’s garb ; .
“These are boastful words thou speak’st.
"Tis worthy of one loving music.”
“ By my hand, most noble Caoilte,
As Finn has been the Feinn’s great chief,
Though, as I am, no pledge I’ll give
To the men of Alb’ or Erin.”
As I plainly saw he knew me,
I now did boldly ask of Cormac,
“Thou wilt tell me how I may
Freedom purchase for my patron.”
“Thou shalt not have Finn made free,
I say, on any one condition,
Save this condition, noble Caoilte,
One thou never can’st fulfil ;
That thou should’st obtain for me
Of all wild animals a pair,
Then to thee I’d give thy patron,
So soon as thou such pledge redeem’st.
I seized upon the pleasing words
Of Cormac Mac Airt Inir,
That he would freedom give the king
So soon as I fulfilled such promise.
When I had thus by promise bound
Erin’s noble fair-haired king,
Though I had a trying task,
I set off to keep th’ agreement.
From Taura I a journey took,
A journey over all the land.
I gathered in the flocks of birds,
Though they were so very scattered.
Two fierce getlts I brought along,
E
”
THE BOOK OF
And two fine tall and long-clawed ospreys,
And ravens from Fee ya von ;
Two wild ducks from Loch a Sellin,
Two crows down from Slieve Cullin,
Two wild oxen brought from Borrin,
Two swans I brought from Dobhran gorm,
Two owls from the wood of Faradrum,
Two polecats from Coiltie creive,
On the side of Druma Dabhran.
Two otters also I took with them,
From the rock of Donavan doivin,
Two gulls from the strand of Loch Lee,
Two rualls from Port Lairge,
Four woodpeckers from Brosna ban,
Two plovers from Carrig dunan,
Two eachts from Eachta ard,
Two thrushes from Letter Lomard,
Two wrens from Dun Aoife,
Two geingeachs from Corrie dhu,
Two herons from Corrin Cleith,
Two gledes from Magh a Foyle,
Two eagles from Carrig nan clach, |
Two hawks from Ceindeach forest,
Two sows from Loch Meilghe,
Two water-hens from Loch Earn,
Two moor-fowls from Monadh maith,
Two sparrow-hawks from Dulocha,
Two stone-chats from Magh Cullin,
Two tomtits from Magh Fualainn,
Two caschans from Glen. Gaibhle,
Two swallows from the Old Abhla,
Two cormorants from Dublin,
Two wolves from Crotta cliath,
Two blackbirds from Traigh dha bhan,
Two roe from Luachair Ir,
Two pigeons from Ceis Charran,
Two nightingales from Letter Fin chul, ,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Two plovers from Letter roy,
Two starlings from Taura the green,
Two rabbits from Sith dubh donn,
Two wild boars from Cluaidh chur,
Two cuckoos from Drum a daive,
Two grey birds from Laigheande,
Two lapwings from Lanan Furrich,
Two woodcocks from Craobh maidh,
Two hawks besides from Sliabh glé,
Two grey mice from Limerick,
Two otters from the Boyne,
Two larks from Monadh mor,
Two bats from the cave of Cno,
Two badgers from the lands of Ullanach,
Two cornrails from Shannon valley,
Two water-wagtails from Bruach Bire,
Two curlews from the sea of Galway,
Two hares from Muirtheimhne,
Two eagles from the wood of Luaraidh,
Two hinds from Sith Buy,
Two geiseadachs (peacocks) from Magh Mall,
Two cith cenceachs from Cnamh choille,
Two yellow-hammers from Bruach Bru,
Two eels from the Black Water,
Two goldfinches from Sliabh da eun,
Two cathails from Bray an Turla,
Two birds of prey from Magh builg,
Two coloured swallows from Granard, —
Two fierce ospreys from Gruing,
Two redbreasts from the Great wood,
Two bdbliorachs from Dun nam bare,
Two rock cod from Cala cairge,
Two whales from the great sea,
Two eels from Loch M‘Lennan,
Two gearrgarts from Magh nan Eilean, ~
Two little birds (wrens) from Mias a chuil,
Two fish (salmon) from Eas M‘Moirn,
67
68
THE BOOK OF
Two fine roe from Glen Smoil,
Two cows trom Achadh Maigh Mou,
Two swift otters from Loch Con, |
Two wild cats from the cave of Cruachain,
Two sheep from Sith Doolan gil, |
Two sows of the sows of Mac Lir ;
A ram and a red nimble sheep
I brought with me from Ennis.
I brought with me a horse and mare
Of the fine stud of Mananan ;
A bull and cow in calf from Drumcean,
These I had from Muirn Munchain.
Ten hounds of the hounds of the Feinn
Did Cormaig insolently require.
Whatever thing he asked of me,
I brought it with me as I came.
When I had them all collected,
And brought them to one plain,
And sought to have them in control,
They all of them did scatter widely.
The raven flew away to the south,
A cause to me of much vexation ;
I caught it in Glen da bhan,
By the side of deep Loch Lurgan.
The duck did also me forsake,
Nor was it easier to take it ;
Over swift and swollen streams,
I chased it to Achin dughlas.
Then I seized it by the neck,
Although it was not very willing.
I took this duck along’with me
That I might liberate Finn from Cormaig.
Of all the ills that I have met,
During all my life on earth,
Never shall my heart forget
This, till my body is in the grave:
With small birds, and with other birds,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
How I strove along to drive them,
Travelling over hills and ditches,
That with them I soon might reach him ;
While he still held Finn in bonds,
And thought that I could never find them ;
And if I could but find him these,
Then was he bound to give him freedom.
This race that I had swiftly run,
Was such as no man ran before me.
Then I brought them all to Taura,
To the chief who ruled the palace ;
Then had I further much to suffer,
That night was to me very grievous.
Within the town there was a stronghold,
To which by nine doors there was entrance.
Cormaig ’twas gave me the house,
As I now was very wearied.
Where I saw that they were placed
In the narrow, horrid dungeon ;
Then came a loud and vigorous scream
From the throats of all the gathering.
There was a little ray of light
Reached them in through fifty openings.
Every door was closely shut,
Nor was the case an easy one;
They mournfully shut closely up,
While I as sadly was excluded.
My heart did now pour out its grief,
Watching by the doors till morning.
Though great the evil I had suffered,
As before they flew so swiftly,
Not one I suffered to escape
Till the day rose in the morning. —
The name men gave to this great rabble
Was “ Caoilte’s rabble,” and no wonder.
To see them standing side by side,
Was all the profit got by Cormag.
69
THE BOOK OF
For when Finn did get his freedom,
All of them did scatter widely ;
No two nor three of all did go
From Taura in the same direction.
My own swiftness and Finn’s escape
Was a miracle from heaven ;
The three great things to me which happened
Were these and gathering that host. :
It is security for my fame,
I believe in Christ, and in this,
Though great my gathering for Finn,
I have nought of which to boast.
Though long my leap to the east,
In Taura of the Fenian heroes,
Long was my leap to the west,
In Taura, twenty hundred feet,
Agile then was my leap,
Which amongst strangers I did take,
While the point of my foot alone yielded,
Slow is now any expedition I make.
I set me off.
No author’s name given.’
There lies beneath that mound to the north
Mac Cumhal’s son, in battle firm.
Of Dearg’s daughter the white-tooth’d son,
In wrath who never harshly spoke.
There lies beneath that mound to the south
Mac Conn’s son, his skin like bloom,
The man who never met his match,
1 The Fenian poetry to which the Dean tothem. Many of these are manifestly of
has attached the names of the authors, the same period with the others, and they
is now all given. We proceed with those © may with equal accuracy be attributed
whose authors’ names are not attached to Ossian or others of the Fenian bards.
OO
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 71
Whose arm in fight dealt no soft blows.
There lies beneath that mound to the east
Oscar, so brave, famous in deeds.
Though the Clan Morn were famous men,
He counted them of little weight.
There lies beneath that mound to the west
The man by women thought so fair,
M‘Ronan for his beauty famed,
Beneath the mound to the west he lies.
Beneath the mound that is below me
Lies he so famed for ugly pate;
Conan, in every virtue rich,
Beneath the mound below me lies.
There lies.
Gorry, let us go to Finn,
A service which we do not like,
To ask of him the head of Gaul, ~
That we may lay it down to rest.
I am unwilling to go,
Since I hear not aught of the head,
And that we cannot have revenge,
For the head of the great Mac Morn.
Whether thou willest or not, I will,
Said the great but foolish Conan ;
I will slay all the men I can
In vengeance for the yellow-haired Gaul.
Let us kill the three princes of the Feinn,
As we can’t slay Finn himself.
Speak, Gorry, speak quickly out,
Let us be found at once on their hands.
Thou shalt kill great Ossian M‘Finn,
I will kill the valorous Oscar,
72 THE BOOK OF
Dyre shall kill the dauntless Caoilte,
Let them have us all assault.
I shall show no foolish softness,
Gentleness doesn’t suit with Finn ;
Though in our arms we all should fall,
We will have no help from Gaul ;
If Finn is there his strength will be there,
Let us send Finn down to his grave.
True and guileless are the words
Which to thee I speak, Gorry.
Gorry.
1
The author of this is
"Twas on a day Finn went to drink
In Alve, with his people few ;
Six women and six men were there,
The women fair, with whitest skin.
Finn was there and guileless Diarmad,
Caoilte and Ossian too, and Oscar,
Conan the bald, slow in the field,
With the wives of these six men ;
Maighinis the wife of dauntless Finn,
The fair-bosomed maid, my own dear wife,
Fair skin Gormlay, of blackest eye,
Naoif, and the daughter of Angus.
When drunkenness had the women seized,
They had a talk among themselves :
They said that throughout all the earth
No six women were so chaste.
Then said the maiden without guile,
“The world is a many-sided heap ;
1 This is a curious episode in Fenian tory. The daughter of Deirg was the
history. Maighineas wasthe wifeof Finn mother of Ossian, and consequently an-
according to Irish writers on Fenian his- other of Finn’s wives,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 73
Though pure are ye, they are not few
Women quite as chaste as you.”
They had been a short time thus,
_When they saw a maid approach,
Her covering a single seamless robe,
Of spotless white from end to end ;
The maiden of the pure white robe
Drew near to where M‘Cumhal sat.
She blessed the king of guileless heart,
And close beside him there sat down.
Finn asks her to give them her tale,
The handsome maid of whitest hand :
“ Maid of the seamless robe, I ask,
What virtue’s in thy spotless veil 2”
“ My seamless robe has this strange power
That women, such as are not chaste,
Can in its folds no shelter find,—
None but the spotless wife it shields.”
_ “Give my wife the robe at once,”
Said the bulky, senseless Conan,
“That we may learn what is the truth
Of what the women just have said.”
_ Then Conan’s wife does take the robe,
And in vexation pulls it on;
‘Twas truly pity it was done,
Her fair-skinned breast was all exposed.
Then when the bald-pate Conan saw
How that the robe shrunk into folds,
He seized in passion his sharp spear,
And with it did the woman slay.
Then the loved Diarmad’s wife
The robe from Conan’s wife did take ;
No better did she fare than she,
About her locks it clung in folds.
Then Oscar’s wife seized on the robe,
Which looked so long and softly smooth ;
But wide and large as were its wings,
74
THE BOOK OF
The robe her middle did not reach.
Then fair Maighinis took the robe,
And put it also o’er her head ;
The robe there creased and folded up,
And gathered fast about her ears.
“ Give my wife the robe,” said Mac Rea,
“For the result I have no fear,
That we may see, without deceit,
Of her merit further proof.”
“T would pass my word for it,
Though I claim not to be learned,
That never have I once transgressed,
I’ve been faithful aye to thee.”
Mac Rea’s wife now showed her side,
The robe was then put o’er her head ;
Her body was covered, feet and hands,
None of it all was left exposed.
Her bosom then one kiss received
From Mac O’Duine, from Diarmad ;
The robe from her he then unfolds,
From her who thus did stand alone.
“Women, give me now my robe,
I am the daughter of Deirg the fierce,
I have done nought to cause me shame,
I only erred with sharp-armed Finn.”
“ Bear thou my curse, and quick away,”
These were then the words of Mac Cumhail.
On women he denounced a curse, .
Because of her who came that day.
"Twas on a day.
THE expedition of eight I remember,
Which oft returns to my mind ;
Some of their exploits I'll relate,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Though now my strength is all gone.
Oscar and manly Caoilte were there,
And Mac Luy of ceaseless praise ;
Finn and white-toothed Diarmad,
Of the eight heroes these were five.
There were myself and Ryno and Caroll,
A gentle, matchless band ;
Bred were we all in Banva’s soil,
These were the names of the eight.
When we set forth, true the tale,
"Twas with a proud and manly step.
From Mac Cumhal’s fort we set out,
_ The expedition of eight I remember.
First of all we made for Albain,
"Twas with a struggle we reached it,
There a king fell by Mac Cumhal,
The expedition of eight I remember.
We then strove to get to Sasunn,’
Exploits and slayings were there ;
Every stronghold was seized by Finn,
The expedition of eight I remember.
To Italy we then carried the battle,
And fiercely fought in its harbours ;
Triumphs and treaties we had then,
The expedition of eight I remember.
In France did we then make war,
Where we had many great hardships ;
Submission and treaties were made,
The expedition of eight I remember.
After that we fought in Spain,
There we had prey and great spoil ;
I have traversed the earth in my day,
The expedition of eight I remember.
We next carried war to Britain,
"Twas fearful and full of danger ;
Yet-did we earn a triumph,
1 Sasunn, ‘‘ England,” after the Saxon invasion.
75
76
THE BOOK OF
The expedition of eight I remember.
We bore along “ Crom nan carn,”?
O’er the fierce, stormy sea ;
Every land made to us submission,
The expedition of eight I remember.
After it we led the chiefs,
Most gentle and holy Patrick,
Who made their submission to Finn,
The expedition of eight I remember.
Sanctify, O Patrick, my soul,
Thou blessed and privileged man,
For I have sinned in thy sight,
The expedition of eight I remember.
The expedition.
Nine? of us once did bind ourselves
To find material for a pup’s head,
To find material for a dog-pup’s head ;
Though no attempt was more laborious.
We searched the plain of Leny Leirg,
And Glen Frenich of bloody swords ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
Then did we search a dark, black glen,
A glen of deep corries, full of stones ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
1 It is difficult to say what this is.
““Crom” was a Celtic deity. Here the
word seems to indicate a banner. The
word ‘‘ Crom nan cairge” will be found
in the second volume of the publications
of the Ossianic Society of Ireland, pp.
53, 58.
2 This is a curious piece. The dog
without doubt entered largely into the
mythology of the ancient Celts. Some
have supposed that it was an object of
worship with them. Mr. O’Curry in-
forms the editor that the ‘‘ Conchean-
naich or Dogheads were an ancient race
who inhabited Magh O’Coin-chinn, now
Moygonihy, in Kerry. They were said
to be great enemies of Finn. This
poem may really describe an attack
upon them.” One of the Irish kings was
called ‘* Cairbar Cinn Chait,” or Cairbar
of the Cat’s-head. The latter portion of
the poem, referring to the banners of the
Feine, has been preserved in tradition,
although the editions of it are various.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 7
We searched the Sian of Drum Cliff,
Fair after it seemed the plain of Liff ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
We searched in Thurles of liberal hosts,
In Bregian Tara and Dun Dobhran ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
We searched, too, through Glen a Cuaich,
Looking out for something noble ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
We searched Moylena of slopes,
Through Bregian Tara and Kinsale ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
We searched the whole of Eire,
Men and dogs ranging together ;
True, we found not there one hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
Shortly were we thus engaged,
Ourselves, our followers, and friends,
When three battalions were seen,
Sons to the King of Rualay.’
Cat-headed one battalion was,
Dog-headed was the one beside it ;
The other behind them was white-backed,
Brown the rest, though white the back.
Aloft the mighty javelin shone
Of Finn, hero of bloody strength ;
Above his noble, murderous shield,
He bore that spear of hundred fights.
Bright was the glitter of the spear
In the white hand of Finn himself.
- 1! This seems to have been an imagin- lands. At least the Editor has not met
ary monarch, like many of those in the | with the name elsewhere.
“‘ Ursgeuls,” or prose tales of the High-
78 THE BOOK OF
Beneath. the shield of cheerful Caoilte
Was the javelin, bloody in fight ;
The javelin glittering below,
Held by Caoilte of joyful heart.
Beneath his round and handsome shield
Cruinchan’s son his javelin bore.
Caoilte gave a loud, far-sounding shout,
In distant Alvin it was heard,
And in Magh Lena of sharp spears,
In Tavar and in Dun Reillin.
"Twas answered loud by Gaul Mac Morn,
The noble chief of Cronwoyn,
Where Faolan, son of Finn, is found,
The Balwas, too, from Borrin.
"Twas answered by Manwoe Breck’s two sons,
And by Mac Elle from Uabreck,
Fair Sciath, the son of Daithein Dian,
And Ceall the brave, of sharp-edged arms.
Keangach the bold gave answer too,
And Iolunn of the bloody edge,
And Ceall the brave, of handsome form,
Who ne’er to scandal’s tale gave ear.
Pleasing the sound of clashing spears,
Pleasing, too, the hum of warriors,
Of waving banners sweet the sound,
As in morn’s frosty wind they rose.
The “ Image of the Sun”? we raised,
The banner of great Fenian Finn,
Studded all around with gold,
Great was its price as red it gleamed.
We raised “ Fulang Duari”? aloft,
! Finn’s banner had inscribed upon
it, according to this bard, ‘‘ Dealbh
Ghréine,” or The image of the Sun. This
word has been corrupted by tradition to
‘Deo ghréine,” said to be the sun-beam,
though upon no authority, ‘‘deo” in no
case signifying ‘‘ a beam.”,
2 The Editor has not attempted to
translate these and several others of the
emblems of ‘the Fenian leaders. Hehas
given the words as he found them, ex-
cept when the meaning was obvious and |
unquestionable.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 79
The banner of great Gaul Mac Morn.
Oft when the javelins were in motion,
"Twas both the first and last to move.
Aloft we raised the “ Mincheann Oir,”
Banner of Ryno and his men;
Under its folds were bones and heads
Cloven, and ankles steeped in blood.
The “ Cineal chath” we also raised,
The banner of the oaken Faolan ;
Finn’s son, chief of the Feinn,
Who cast with powerful arm his spear.
Then we raised aloft “ Dun nimh,”
The banner of Ossian of the brave ;
The banner of Mac Ronan, “ the Red-hand,”!
Whose other side was all adorned.
“Sguab Ghabhaidh,” too, we raised aloft,
Banner of the well-armed Oscar,
When the stormy conflict raged,
Oft was “Sguab Ghabhaidh” waving seen.
The “ Lia Luinneach” aloft we raised,
The banner of nimble, powerful Diarmaid ;
Oft when the men began their march,
"Twas seen to flutter vigorously.
Then was the “ Bearn Reubainn” raised,
Banner of Oscar, no saintly sign ;
The echo of the glens replied
To its fierce sounds, waving on high.
The “ Bloody hand” aloft we raised,
Banner of Mac Luy, and his men;
When the Feinn went forth to fight,
Its place was always in the van.
Then did we fight a bloody fight,
As round the noble Finn we stood,
Round the steel of manly Finn,
1 This heraldic emblem of Caoilte lds... It is probably the oldest of the
M‘Ronan has descended through along _ kind in the kingdom. -
course of ancestors to the modern M‘Don-
80
THE BOOK OF
First of all the valorous Feinn.
The whole of the Catheads were killed,
The Dogheads we seized to a man ;
The whole of the Whitebacks fell
Round dauntless Finn of Alvin.
We found a little hill to the south,
On which was built a double fort ;
There indeed we found a hound
From which we could obtain a pup.
The whole of Eire we had searched,
All of us, both men and dogs.
In all its length we could not find
A hundred who could match our nine.
Nine.
SWEET is man’s voice in the land of gold,
Sweet the sounds the birds produce,
Sweet is the murmur of the crane,
Sweet sound the waves at Bun Datreor,
Sweet the soft murmuring of the wind,
Sweet sounds the cuckoo at Cas a choin.
How soft and pleasing shines the sun,
Sweet the blackbird sings his song ;
Sweet the eagle’s voice of Easaroy,
Above the sea of great Mac Morn ;
Sweet the cuckoo ’mongst the branches,
Sweet the silence of the crane.
Finn Mac Cumhail is my father,
Who nobly leads the Feinn’s seven bands ;
When he his hounds lets loose to hunt,
To follow him is truly sweet.
Sweet.
A NOBLE tale of sweetest music,
To Carn Vallar now I'll bring ;
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
That whether others hear or not,
It may be heard by Mac Cumhail.
Mac Cumhail once had a feast
On Almhuin’s slope, of finest gold ;
O’er the music he presided, —
Finn who ever graced the feast.
Brave Oscar and Diarmad were there,
And good Mac Luy, warriors bold ;
With other two who ne’er shunned fight,
Conan himself, and with him Oscar.
“ Tell me now, my warriors brave,
As at the feast of Finn ye sit,
Which do ye count the sweetest music ?”
“The clang of gaming,” Conan said,
“ The sweetest sounds I ever heard.”
Vigorous his arm before the foe,
Yet ne’er a man who more lacked sense.
“The sound of swords drawing on the foe,’
Said he who never spared in fight,
“ Cleaving of men’s heads and legs,”
The sweetest music Oscar heard.
“The sounds which ever pleased me most,”
Said Diarmad of slow rolling eye,
“That I loved most all my life,
Was woman’s voice, as soft she talked.”
“My music, thou son of Morn,”
Said Mac Luy of the glittering arms,
“ Ts leaping ’midst the tumult of my dogs,
As swift upon the deer they gain.”
“’Tis this that music is for me,”
Said Finn, the chief of all the host,
“To have my banner in the wind,
Heroes ranged by its golden side.”
“ When of the bards I had no fear,
Ossian,” he said, as still he spoke ;
“ And when my Feinn were still around me,
Sweet its music in my ears.”
3
F
81
82
THE BOOK OF
A GREAT feast was made by Finn,’
I tell thee now, O tonsured Priest,
Many were the men were there,
Of the Feine of Alba and Erin.
The great Mac Morn did ask
Of the queen of whitest hand,
“ Did’st thou see so rich a feast
Since thou cam’st ’monest the Feine of Erin ?”
Finn of the Feine himself replied,
Chiefest of all both east and west ;
He said she saw a richer feast _
Than any Fenian feast in Erin.
We then saw coming from the waves :
A warrior tall, manly, fair-haired,
No man was with him but himself,
And a noble man he was.
When he had come near the Feine,
Thus did he mildly, wisely say,
“Come, Finn, come along with me,
And take with thee a hundred men ;
Thirty sons of the great Morn,
Let them be the first around thee ;
One man and eight of thy own sons,
Take them and Oscar of the Feine’s Fians ;
Let ten of the sons of Smoil be there,
And twenty of the sons of Ronan ;
Let some of Muin’s sons be there,
Other ten, not counting Diarmad ;
Take with thee Diarmad O’Duine,
He who could either court or hunt,
Both him and Caroll in thy ship ;
1 Hospitality was the most esteemed
feature in the character of the Celtic
chief. That of Finn is sung with un-
tiring admiration by the poets. This
virtue, with bravery, generosity, and
liberal giving, no doubt to the poets
themselves especially, seemed to make
up what they looked upon as a perfect
character for their leader. These feasts
were apparently affairs of great moment,
as the like are in our own day.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Let there be ten of men and crew,
Of thy men take with thee nine,
Of those whom thou’dst most like to have ;
Besides them all thyself, O Finn,
Thou dauntless and well-armed man.
Take o’er the waves a hundred men
Of those that follow Finn Mac Cumhail,
A hundred shields with golden studs,
For Finn Mac Cumhail, Mac Tranevor.
Take now with thee also, Finn,
The two best hounds that are in Erin ;
Bran and Scoilean! take them with thee,
The swiftest-footed of the pack.
Have no fear about thee, Finn,”
The tall and cheerful warrior said ;
“Let them all be brought in peace,
And trouble not our men or ships.”
“ Foolish the speech thou now hast made,
Thou man who cam’st amongst us ;
Wert thou to approach nearer Finn,
Thy body soon would want its head.”
“ Little care I for what thou say’st,
Bald-headed Conan of the gibes ;
Pity for thy friends that thou art there,
Ugly and feeble as thou art.”
“ Rise ye up, ye sons of Boisgne,”
Then spoke Conan, so well known ;
Each man did seize a hero’s arms,
From every side the Fians came fast.
Then fell there slain a son of Finn,
One of the stalwart, white-hand Fians,
A man of Mac Morn’s followers too,
A vigorous hand ‘midst battle’s blows.
“Fergus, now go rouse thee up,
And mingle boldly in the fight ;
Ask whether Gaul has aught to give
1 Scoilean was the second favourite hound of Finn.
83
84 THE BOOK OF
To Conan, whom he knows so well.”
“Let Finn himself then be the judge,”
Said the great Gaul of mighty blows ;
“Conan or I shall take his head,
Or else his brains we will dash out.”
Fergus, Caol, and thirty are in the glen,
Who never more shall see this earth,
Unknown to all the Feine of Finn.
Sad is my tale, O tonsured Priest.
Much do I weary, valiant Priest,
For now I never see the Feine,
Hunting, as wont, from glen to glen,
With herds of deer on every side.
Much loved I Ossian, son of Finn,
He only never yet forsook me ;
But above all the men I saw,
Finn of the feasts I loved most.
A great feast.
’Tis sad that the hill of the Feine,
Should now by the clerics be held,
And that the songs of men of books
Should fill the halls of clan Baoisgne.
I myself was once in Rath Cruachan,}
Happily beneath thy banks,
I little thought I e’er should find
A priest upon thy summit dwelling.
There would be found my shield and spear,
’ Rath Cruachan, as Irish tradition
says, was the chief seat of the Feinn of
Connaught, usually called the Sons of
Morn. The word “ Rath” means a Fort,
and Cruachan an elevation more than
usually steep. It sometimes stands upon
another hill, as in Argyleshire, where we
have ‘‘ Cruachan Beinne,” The hillock
upon the mountain, usually called Ben
Cruachan. The word ‘ Rath” enters
largely into Scottish topography, and
assumes different forms in English, as.
Rath, Roth, Rothie, Rait, Raits, etc.
—_—,
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 85
My dogs and hounds along thy ridge,
Although to-night the Fenian hill
Is under clerics and their crosiers.
Were the sons of Morn alive,
The priestly order soon must quit ;
You would find yourselves cut up,
Ye men of the spotted crooks.
Were Mac Luy alive,
With his six heroes bold,
Ere you had quitted the hill
You'd find your garments curtailed.
Were the sons of Ceard alive,
Who never hypocrisy knew,
Neither your bells nor crooks
Would in place of their banners be found.
Were the sons of Muin alive,
Who knew no weakness in fight,
Men would not see thy people
So powerful amidst our hills.
Were the sons of black Garry alive,
Or Caoilte, who was ever so brave,
Neither the sounds of bells or priests
Would now be heard in Rath Cruachan.
Were red-haired Ryno alive,
And brave Caol, son of Revan,
Thy books would not be so whole,
Oh man, who readest the Bible.
And for all thy hooked crosiers,
Which have travelled over the earth,
Thy staves would be in splinters,
Were only brave Oscar alive.
Thou of the yellow’ garment,
Who sittest so much at thine ease,
Tis well for thee that Conan is dead,
1 “Yellow” was the favourite colour probably as a means of commending
of the Celts. It seems that St. Patrick — himself and his cause to the good-will of
adopted it as the clerical colour, very the people. |
86
THE BOOK OF
Else thowdst feel the weight of his fist.
Were the blue-eyed hero alive,
Bald Conan, the son of the Feine,
Cleric, though thy office be sacred,
With his fist he’d strike thee down.
Were the son of O’Duine alive,
Thou man of the crooked staff,
Thy staff should be all in shivers,
Smashed at the pillar of stone.
Thou man of the bell, I do think,
If Daoruinn were now in life,
Thy bell would be now in pieces, ©
Scattered before the pillar.
Were the red point seen, old man,
Of the swift-flying spear of Mac Ronan,
Thy bell would not be faintly sounding,
Thou who sing’st the howling song.
I cannot be joyful now,
I see not Mac Cumhail in life,
I see not Diarmad O’Duine,
I see not Caoilte Mac Ronan.
No wonder though I should be sad,
As I sit on this mound, Patrick.
I see not the son of Luy,
I see not the hero so loved,
I see not Fearluth by my side,
I see not the Fenian Oscar ;
I see not warlike exercises,
I see not the noble hounds ;
I see not the sons of Smoil,
I see not Gaul of great feats,
I see not the generous Faolan,
I see not with him the Feine.
I see not Fergus, my brother,
So gentle and worthy of praise ;
I see not Daire of the songs,
Whose music we always enjoyed.
a N.S
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 87
I see not Fatha! Canan,
Whose presence filled us with joy ;
I see not one of our band,
Whose noise was like thunder in war.
I see neither music nor joy,
I hear not if music there be,
Ere I was laid in my cave
Freely I scattered my gold.
Patrick, I tell thee it now,
If I chose my knowledge to give,
That ’tis not in my power to relate
How much of their joy I have seen.
I and the mass-book clerics,
Are two that can never agree.
Though this night so mournful I am,
I’m sad for the hill of Feine.
"Tis sad.
I now will tell thee, O Grainne,”
What I have seen with Mac Cumhail.
The misery I suffer now
I cannot much longer endure.
I have seen sport and rejoicing
"Mongst those who now are despised.
I have seen maidens and men,
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
Courtesy and cheerfulness too,
1 Fatha Canan appears in several of
these pieces. He appears as Fatha son
of Mac Con, and Faycanan. He was son
of Lughaidh Mac Con, a King of Ireland,
of the race of Ith, who flourished in the
middle of the third century. Hence his
name Fatha Mac Mhic Con, Fatha son
of Mac Con’s son. The Irish say he
settled in Scotland, and was progeni-
tor of the Campbells.
2 Grainne was the wife of Finn, and
the poet, whether it be Ossian or some
other of the Fenian bards, addresses this
description of the glory of Finn and his
followers to her.
88 THE BOOK OF
I’ve seen. with feasts, steeds, and shouting.
I’ve seen the violin played,
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
Great Caoilte and Mac Luy,
A couple who can’t be despised,
We oft gained nought by their wrath.
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
Gaul and Oscar and Ossian,
A brood who did nought by halves ;
These all loved us well,
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
Finn himself of fearless heart,
Whose welcome was always sure,
We've seen him cheerful too,
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
I have in nine battles been,
To me no joy is now left.
Looking on nought but their graves,
T now will tell thee, O Grainne.
In wrath we crossed over hills,
And over Banva’s fierce tops ;
Then in singing their praise,
Employment was found for my lips.
We feared for nought in the valleys,
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
I was both long time and short
Traversing Erin the fair ;
We were famous and powerful then,
I now will tell thee, O Grainne.
I now will tell.
ONCE on a day there was in Dundalgin,}
Cuchullin of the handsome form ;
1 The following piece seems tobe made _ obligingly taken the trouble to examine
up of fragments. Mr. O’Curry, whohas it, suggests that it contains fragments
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Joy and merriment were his,
All his people were with him.
When from the drinking hall we rose,
We saw the whole of the Feine.
We strove from their hiding-place to raise
The flocks of birds in the two hills.
The most loved thing of all we had
Was the women of Clan Rury province.
The valley we were in was rough,
We drove the birds to its mouth,
In hopes that we might find a hero.
The father of Conlach chased
The birds with handsome Daoruing,
The sweet-spoken noble of Coll in Galway.
The well-formed sling was then used
With skill by great Cuchullin,
He with the arm of well-known strength ;
The birds with speed he kills.
The game was then divided,
None was forgotten but Evir.
Evir took wrath for her share,
89
"Tis true that prudence was lacking.
"Twas promised her in reparation
That she should have the first birds slain,
Killed on the mountain side,
With the skill of the shot for her fired.
As they travelled they came to a place
Where poets were wont to resort ;
of four different pieces: The Irish bardic
account of the name of ‘* Srubh Brain,”
or the ‘‘ Raven’s snout,” at Loch Swilly;
the legend of ‘‘ Cuchullin’s sick-bed ;”
the death of Conlaoch ; and a short but
imperfect account of the battle of Cnucha,
in which Cumhal was killed. The piece
is given as in the MS., and if thus made
up, is just as it was written in the be-
ginning of the sixteenth century. The
Editor has to state, however, that the
leaves which contain it are so discol-
oured, and the writing so defaced, that
he has had the greatest difficulty in de-
ciphering it at all, and for many of the
_words he cannot be answerable except
as guesses. Mr. M‘Lachlan of Aberdeen,
who transcribed the greater portion of the
MS., did not transcribe this piece; and
it is given now merely from the desire to
withhold nothing in it that may be of
value or interest.
1 Evir was the wife of Cuchullin.
90
THE BOOK OF
Each of them wore round his neck
A chain of the purest gold.
The wife of Cuchullin fell in love
With one of our Ulster Fians, _
With the willing and handsome friend
Who came from the Ulster bounds.
Evir of the weighty locks asks
Her agreement with Cuchullin, |
That she should now have her birds,
Without excuse about them.
Twice or thrice did he shoot at
The wild birds, but missed his aim ;
"Twas a victor’s leap as he shot
Three shots amongst the birds.
The last blow he had struck ere then
Had pierced his own dear son.
Without joy, or women at feasts,
Had he been, as he sadly mourned.
For a whole year he did nought
But grieve for the hero now dead.
"Twas not tales of the Feine he sought,
But to have that tale rehearsed.
If the story men tell be true,
The Cu never ceased to grieve ;
The blossomed branch whom women loved,
Sad and grievous was his state.
It happened at length of a time,
A few of the Feine met together.
Finn himself had joined the hunt,
And sent us in pairs to search.
I myself sat with Garry,
Side by side with the King.
Finn put the question to Garry,
As by the King’s side he sat:
“ Since that thou wert there,
How was’t ye slew Cumhal ?”
ee
7 eee o - @
ea -
a
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 9]
“T will now pass my word,!
Since to me the question thou putt’st,
That mine was the powerful arm
Which gave the first wound to Cumhal.”
“ That is a cold welcome for me,
Ye sons of Morn, as a follower ;
’Tis hard indeed for me to bear,
To know that ye slew my father.”
“Tf that be a cold welcome for you,
Finn, son of Cumhal from Alvin,
Put aside pretended love,
And show your usual hatred.”
“Should I now raise my arm,
Ye hated children of Morn,
I could do all I chose alone, ?
Without the help of any man.”
“ Ere ever thou had’st so moved,
Walking in the steps of thy father,
Lightly could we leap o’er streams,
Were it not for the wiles of Cumhal.
*Twas Cumhal got influence o’er us,
"Twas Cumhal oppressed us sore,
"Twas Cumhal that banished us far,
To the land of the stranger away.
Some he sent to Albin fair,
And some to Lochlin the dark,
The third band to Greece the white,
We all from each other were torn.
Sixteen years were we all
Severed from Erin; ’tis truth,
No small calamity was this,
Never each other to see.
1 It is here that Garry’s account of
the battle of Cnucha commences. The
account, as Mr. O’Curry says, may be
imperfect ; but the gathering together of
such fragments, and comparing them
with one another, cannot but be inter-
esting to the student of early Celtic his-
tory. There is interest in the variety,
irrespective of the question of compara-
tive merit as between the different com-
positions. This may be a Scotch version
of an Irish story.
92
THE BOOK OF
The first day we set foot on shore
In Erin’s isle, so much loved,
We slew, and it is no lie,
At least sixteen hundred men.
These all were slain by Clan Morn,
Their heroes and their chiefs ;
There was not a man of them all
But such as their women would mourn.
With that their castles we seized,
We, the noble Clan of Morn,
Our race did bravely then
Before the men of Erin. .
By thy hand, hero of the Feine,
There ne’er was seen, east or west,
One thing to cloud my eye,
But seeing the slaughter there ;
My heart became tender and soft
As I saw the terrible scene.
We all surrounded one house,
In Munster of the red towers ;
But such was the strength of the man,
"Twas easier to find than to kill.
They slew on the opposite hill
All that lived of Cumhal’s race.
We made a joint and rapid rush
To the house where Cumhal still was ;
Each man of us gave a wound
With his spear to the body of Cumhal.
Though it was my lot to be there
At the time that Cumhal was slain,
For the deed which then was done,
Take vengeance now if you will.”
Once on a day.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 93
The author of this is Duncan Mor from Lennox.’
Prry the man who lost his voice,
When he is called on to recite,
Who cannot speak so fast as needs be,
And yet’s unwilling to give up.
Who cannot sing an air or tune,
And cannot well recite a lay.
Who cannot put aside his harp,
Yet cannot sing as he would wish.
Pity him ever with his “ dring, drang,”
Trying his verses to recite,
When men can neither hear his harp,
Nor understand the songs he sings.
Pity the man neglects his health,
And strives not his vigour to retain.
Pity the man who ever strives
To have the fruit he cannot reach.
Were I to wish to have such fruit,
Fruit which I could not reach on high,
I'd cut the tree down at the root,
Let men be angry if they will.
Pity.
The author of this is Gilchrist Taylor.”
Bless, O Trinity, thy household,
King of heaven, place of jewels ;
1 The fragments of Ossianic or Fenian
poetry in the miscellany of Dean Mac-
gregor are now exhausted. They afford
some idea of the amount of such poetry
in the Highlands at the time he lived.
We now proceed with those pieces which
profess to be of a more recent date.
These will be found to consist chiefly of
compositions of the fourteenth and fif-
teenth centuries. The first short compo-
sition here given is one by a poet hitherto
unknown. to modern fame. Duncan the
big, from Lennox or Dumbartonshire,
might be a man of some note in his day,
but time has obliterated all knowledge
of him. His composition is of a class
well known in his day, and highly popu-
lar, being aphoristic. Several composi-
tions, consisting of a series of aphorisms,
will be found in the sequel.
2 There are several pieces by this poet
in the Dean’s MS., but we know nothing
of his history. He was probably an eccle-
siastic.
THE BOOK OF
Black thy family was not formed,
All by thyself in wisdom made.
By thee ‘twas Adam’s race was shaped
The cheek like berries richly red ;
Thou who blessest place and people
Curse them that ’gainst thee fierce contend.
There is a pack of cruel hounds,
Who the king’s children sorely grieve ;
I hear the baying of these dogs,
Every glen is full of it.
Such as war on Adam’s race,
Since that they cannot silence keep,
Joined together in their evil,
Powers of the king of light them smite ;
Such as war on Adam’s race,
Of crafty Lucifer the slaves,
Give them no rest, to them give none,
King of lights do thou them burn.
Mounted on two ugly steeds,
When vicious packs abound the most,
They furiously commence the hunt,
Belching out death on every side.
Curse thou their hunt and devastation,
Their two steeds so black in hue ;
Lay them, their backs stretched on the turf,
Scatter the heads of this black band.
There is a band of cruel hounds
Harbouring at Inch Ald Art,
They're horrid brutes, Thou God forsake them,
Let bags out of their skins be made.
Though many be the skins of wolves,
Covering our harps, both small and great,
The cold and empty skulls are many,
Given us by these fierce hounds.
Father of Christ, with speed them strike
From Lochaber to Raon Fraoich,
Soon let the plague their bodies waste ;
Se — 2s
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. | 95
"Tis sad that thus I have to speak.
Though no reparation for a true hound,
For Robert’s son’ of clustering locks.
From Loch Venachar of rich glens,
Many’s the ugly head laid low.
Though from Ben Gulbin’s sunny side,
Many the dogs to Tummel’s stream,
Who know to hunt along its side,
The eye of Christ is on them all.
’Twas told me when at Inverness,
That greyhounds were scattering the pack.
Pity the man who’s seized with fear,
"Tis like the falling sickness, sore.
Pleasing to witness hounds pursue,
Them who would slay the fine grey steeds.
May God’s Son with His holy power,
Destroy all surly cruel hounds.
Smoke every den in Schiehallion,
John Stewart of the bounding steeds,
Ere I must call a sweet-voiced pack
This litter of ugly, snarling curs.
By Garry of John Stewart of the white steed,
No antlers are seen without the head,
While ‘mongst the rocky rugged woods,
Are seen the grey-skinned pack of hounds.
Bless.
The author of this is Gilliecallum Mac an Olla.’ |
There is no joy without the clan Donald,
No battle when they are awanting ;
1 The piece is extremely obscure, but
the reference to Mac Robert and the
Athole Stewarts would seem to indicate
that the subjects of the poem were the
murderers of King James the First. The
infamous persons whom the poet de-
nounces are said to have done evil to the
race of kings.
? This bard has been met with already
as an imitator of Ossian. He was in all
96
THE BOOK OF
First of the clans in all the earth,
Each man of them is a hundred.
The noblest clan which you can find,
A race as brave as they are peaceful ;
The clan whose praise does fill the lands,
Famed for their faith and godliness.
The clan so faithful, bold, and brave,
The clan so swift amidst the fight,
The clan so gentle among men,
And yet in battle none so fierce ;
The clan most numerous of all
Whose number has been ever known.
The clan which never vexed the Church,
And ever dreaded its reproach.
Of all that dwell in Atbin green,
This is the bravest e’er baptized.
The third of every land is theirs,
Their bravery is like the falcon’s.
The clan most numerous and famous,
Of finest form and fairest mould ;
The clan that has the largest hearts,
Most patient and most liberal.
They, sons of kings, deserved no gibe
When asked in trouble to give help.
Noble were they since the time
When there was giving and poor ones.
The clan for wine and shelter best,
The first in prowess and in strength.
"Tis sad how short the length extends
Given by him who spins your thread.
They were not wicked and rough,
Nor were they gentle and weak.
likelihood an ecclesiastic. Several of the
early Lords of the Isles were liberal be-
nefactors to the Church, and it is not
unlikely that this liberality called forth
the praises of our bard. The word
**bochd,” poor, associated in one of the
lines of this composition with “ bron-
tachd,” bestowing, is often by early Gaelic
writers applied to monks and hermits,
who lived upon the beneficence of the
wealthy, and became finally enriched by
their gifts.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
In midst of trial and hardships,
Not harder than them was the rock.
The clan without pride or misdeeds,
When the spoil of battle is theirs.
"Mongst them you'd find gentlemen,
And common people with them.
Pity him who has lost their defence,
Pity him who forsakes their protection.
There is no clan like the clan Donald,
The noble clan of firmest mind.
Who is there can number their gifts ?
Who is there can count their nobles ?
Without limit, commencement or close,
Of excellencies among their gentry.
First of all with the clan Donald,
There is knowledge which they learn ;
Last of all, there is among them
Polish, generosity, and modesty.
‘Tis in sorrow and in grief
Understanding and learning are got,
By him who them would have.
No joy without the clan Donald.
Loud was the sound of their thunder,
This race so wise and faithful,
Though now they be reproached,
There is no joy without the clan Donald.
This people so great in fame,
In courtesy, mind, and firmness,
There is no right without them,.
There is no joy without the clan Donald.
The son of his virgin mother,
Who hath earned for us freedom from pain,
Though he be faithful and true,
There is no joy without the clan Donald.
There is no joy.
97
98 THE BOOK OF
Atas! alas! this is the head’
Which belonged to the blue-armed Conull ;
The head where understanding was found, —
Noble it was and most lovely. 7
Alas! alas! this is the eye
That dwelt in generous Conull’s head ;
Round which the eyelid wound,
Benevolent it was and manful.
Alas! alas! this is the mouth
In which no bard did folly find ;
Its lips so thin, like apples red,
Sweet as honey the mouth of Conull.
Alas! alas! this is the hand .
That Conull Mac Scanlan owned ;
The hand of him so brave in battle,
The hand of Conull my first beloved.
Alas! alas! this is the side
By which our noble side we laid ;
It was a hound from Mull that came,
John did lie upon his side.
Alas! alas! this is the foot
Which ne’er before a warrior fled ;
The foot of him in fight most brave,
The foot of the shielded son of Scanlan.
Alas! success e’er followed Conull,
Where’er it was he battle fought ;
But now that my tale is done,
This place is the dwelling of tears.
Alas!
1 Mr. O’Curry says regarding this | which the Four Masters say he was killed.
Conull Mac Scanlan, “Idon’t knowany ‘The old account says he was disabled,
person in our history whose name would and disappeared no one knows where. It
agree with his but Congal Claen, son of | would be curious if your elegy could be
Scanlan, Prince of Ulster, who fought — traced up to this hero.”
the battle of Magh Rath in a.p. 634, in
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
The author of this is John of Knoydart."
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre,”
Though great be thy trouble and pain,
I grudge thee not all thou hast suffered,
Although it be painful to tell. |
I grudge not though thy ragged locks.
Be searched by the winds from the glens.
I grudge thee not that thou art bound,
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre ;
Pity the thought e’er filled men’s breasts,
That thy friendship was not hatred ;
Pity, alas! thou turn’dst not back,
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre ;
Thou hast the King of Isla slain,
Who freely gave his wine and money,
Him of the soft and flowing locks,
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre ;
Isla, king of well filled horns,
Who with his friends so kindly dealt ;
Alas! who gashed his soft white skin,
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre !
Beloved was that liberal hand,
Which never grudged his gold or silver,
And which in feast or hunt was first,
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre.
1 Of the author of this fragment we
have no tradition. All we learn here is
that he was a Knoydart man, that moun-
tainous region lying between Loch Hourn
and Morar, on the west coast of Inver,
ness-shire, till lately possessed by the
Macdonells of Glengarry.
? In a transcript of a MS. history of
the Macdonalds, published in the Trans-
actions of the Iona Club, it is said that
Angus Og of Isla, or of the Isles, who
fought against his father in the battle of
the Bloody Bay, was assassinated by Art
O’Carby, an Irish harper, instigated by
M‘Kenzie, whose daughter had capti-
vated the impressible musician. In the
Irish annals this harper is called Diar-
mad. This lay seems to commemorate
the event by commemorating the punish-
ment of the assassin, which was inflicted
by drawing him between horses. The
lines being composed shortly after the
event, which took place about the year
1490, and being taken down by the Dean,
are sufficient evidence of the historical
accuracy of the statement.
100 ' THE BOOK OF
It is my prayer to th’ Apostles’ King,
He who preserves by His great power,
That He from pain may him e’er keep,
Thou head of Diarmad O’Cairbre.
Thou head.
The author of this is Gormlay, daughter of Flann.'
Melancholy earth upon the breast of Nial,
Melancholy its depth upon his grave ;
Neither nobility nor fame can save,
Since that the King of the North is dead.
Whose back is turned upon this joyful world,
Now that his death-wound he received.
He from the noble race of Nial is traced,
The men who proudly governed all this land.
I, the gentle, kind, Mac Cuilenan,? did leave,
With Muireagan mor I also joyful lived,
With Nial I spent a truly happy life ;
Bright was my honour as with him I drunk,
Of feasts and wine I could abundance have ;
My gold I freely gave the church.
If any there be who heaven reach,
How could Nial be without heaven ?
Never have I seen one like Nial.
Fair was he all except the knee,
Great were his beauty and his fame,
Soft were his locks, and grey his eye.
Wrath grew upon the mighty deep,
The wind in strength blew from the east,
Nial then bent him on his knee,
' Gormlay was the wife of NialGlun- King-bishop of Munster and Cashel, to
dubh, Nial of the Black Knee, who suc- whom M‘Geoghagan says Gormlay was
ceeded to the throne of Ireland in 916. first married.
He was of the northern O’Neills, hence
called “ Righ Tuaisgearta,” or King of 3 Nial Glundubh was killed in battle
the North. by the Danes in 919, having reigned only
2 The famous Cormac M‘Cuilenan, the three years.
A eee ee ee
;
e
,
%
\e
3
ee
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 101
Stronger it blew and without fail ;
It suffered no happiness nor peace.
The wind never ceased its sound,
Neither fort nor tree was spared,
Since that the courteous king is dead.
Since Nial* Aidh’s son died yesterday,
Numbers on numbers sorely mourn ;
And though cups and horns are filled,
Sore is the blow to Conn’s great race.
Without him prosperity is joyless,
His form my heart with sorrow fills,
That I’m till judgment left behind,
Is that which fills my heart with grief.
Melancholy.
Gormlay, daughter of Flann.?
Monk, remove thy foot,
Lift it off the grave of Nial.
Too long dost thou heap the earth
On him with whom I fain would lie ;
Too long dost thou, Monk, there
Heap the earth on noble Nial.
Thou brown-haired friend, though gentle,
Press not with thy sole the earth.
Do not firmly close the grave,
O Priest, whose office is so sad.
Raise off the fair, black-kneed Nial,
Monk, remove thy foot.
Mac O’Nial of finest gold,
’Tis not of my will thou’rt bound*
1 Nial was son of Aidh Finliath, King
ofIreland. O'Flaherty mentions an elegy
of Gormlay on her husband, as preserved
in the Annals of Donegal.
2 This is another elegy of Gormlay,
Queen of Ireland, on her husband, Nial
Glundubh. There is something extreme-
ly mournful in these compositions of the
youthful queen. Mr. O’Curry has kindly
furnished the Editor with Irish copies of
these two elegiac pieces, which he is
about to publish in a second volume of
his admirable Lectures.
3 Referring, undoubtedly, to the mode
of laying out the dead.
102
THE BOOK OF
Leave his stone and his grave,
Monk, remove thy foot.
I am Gormlay, who order keeps,
Daughter I of Flann the bold;
Stand not thou upon his grave,
Monk, remove thy foot.
Monk.
*
WOUNDED thou hast been, great man,}
Whate’er the men were thou hast. met ;
Though thou art truly sad and sick, »
Tis joy to us that thou’st got fame.
Ten hundred ships from Greece of the Gael,
While of them only three were noble,
Thou didst attack with sharp-edged arms,
Sore was the strife while life did last ;
That people with their many spears ;
They live not now who were so pure,
Thy six nobles at last they slew,
Many their bold deeds at thy side.
That of thy wounds thou may’st be healed,
I pray for thee, pray thou thyself,
To Mary, the mother of the poor,
My Pater and my Creed’s for thee.
Wounded.
The author of this is Phelim M‘Dougall.’
’Tis not good to travel on Sunday,
Whoever the Sabbath would keep ;
1 The allusion in this fragment is not cannot say. These allusions belong, with-
very clear.
Celtic poetry is full of re- out doubt, to the period when both Scot-
ference to Greece, whence a portion of — land and Ireland were brought into con-.
the race are said to havecome; but what —_ tact with Greek literature.
this battle with Greeks was, the Editor 2 We have here a curious specimen of
SLL ee lhl le Ce
hTERT SE A:
THE DEAN OF LISMORE
Not good to be of ill-famed race ;
Not good is a dirty woman ;
Not good to write without learning ;
Not good are grapes when sour ;
Not good is an Earl without English ;
Not good is a sailor, if old ;
Not good is a bishop without warrant ;
Not good is a blemish on an elder ;
Not good a priest with but one eye ;
Not good a parson, if a beggar ;
Not good is a palace without play ;
Not good is a handmaid if she’s slow ;
Not good is a lord without a dwelling ;
Not good is a temple without a burying ground ;
Not good is a woman without shame ;
Not good is a harper without a string ;
Not good is fighting without courage ;
Not good is entering a port without a pilot ;
Not good is a maiden who backbites ;
Not good is the poverty of a debtor ;
Not good is a castle without an heir ;
Not good is neglecting the household dogs ;
Not good is disrespect to a father ;
Not good is the talk of the drunken ;
- Not good is a knife without an edge ;
Not good is injustice in judging ;
Not good is the friendship of devils
For thy son, oh Virgin most honoured ;
Though he has saved the seed of Adam,
Not good for himself was the cross.
Not good is a reader without understanding ;
Not good for a man to want a friend ;
Not good is a poet without a subject ;
Not good is a tower without a hall ;
103
aphoristic poetry, the idea borrowed pro- _ the habits and modes of thought of the
bably from the Proverbs of Solomon. age in which they were produced.
These aphorisms throw some light upon
104 THE BOOK OF
Not good is a web without fulling ;
Not good is sport without laughter ;
Not good are misdeeds when prosperous ;
Not good is marriage without consent ;
Not good is a crown without supremacy ;
Not good is ploughing by night ;
Not good is learning without courtesy ;
Not good is religion without knowledge.
Not good.
I MYSELF, Robert, went?
Yesterday to a monastery,
And I was not allowed in,
Because my wife was not with me.
I DISLIKE to journey for a year ;”
I dislike the table where a woman sits ;
I dislike sorrow and sadness ;
I dislike a great house without joy ;
I dislike seeing a good man with a bad wife ;
_ I dislike a frown upon a prince’s face ;
I dislike weak drink at a high price ;
I dislike a noble without courtesy ;
I dislike war when it is peace,
When nothing is allowed to pass ;
I dislike a rough and cruel chief;
I dislike the men who cannot fight ;
1 These lines are given as indicative of 2 We have here another specimen of
the state of public feeling at the time aphoristic poetry. In the original the
with respect to a great social question. lines are in rhyme. The author’s name is
The writer of these lines was manifestly. not given, though it is probably Phelim
no friend to monasteries, and no believer © M‘Dougall.
in their purity.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. . 105
I dislike being long at a tune ;
I dislike the men who grudge me food ;
I dislike a jealous woman if unchaste ; —
| I dislike the dog who cannot kill a stag ;
I’m loath to go to Erin in the west,
Now that Brian of the tunes is dead ;
3 I dislike a widow who is not cheerful ;
I dislike the man of melancholy mind ;
I dislike an ill-favoured old woman,
| Whose tongue is sharp and rapid too ;
I cannot tell to any man
All the things that I dislike.
I dislike.
a
Earl Gerald.1
: Pity the man who overleaps his horse ;
| Let him that likes, my meaning understand,
| That from myself my means have taken flight;
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
May my curse ‘mongst women rest,
Although for a time I mixed with them ;
As for men who still are single,
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
That man who early is on foot,
Cannot but many evils find ;
Were I to tell what I have seen,
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
| The man who has got a useless wife,
¥ Cannot do much before the foe,
1 The following is the composition of
Gerald Fitzgerald, the fourth Earl of
Desmond. He is known in Ireland as
Earl Gerald, the poet. There are several
of his compositions scattered over the
MS. ; but as they are mostly of the same
character—satires on the female sex—it
has been thought that one specimen is
sufficient. The Editor thought it desir-
able to give one of those, with a view to
a fair representation of the contents of
the MS., although there is not much in
the composition itself to render it worthy
of being rescued from oblivion.
106
THE BOOK OF
The first milch cows that bellow loud ;
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
The wife who listens to my speech,
Who listens to my voice and cry,
Just as if wax were in her ears ;
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
Her husband she to wrath provokes,
Different her manner with all else,
For them she lightly steps about ;
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
Were she to see a weeping eye,
With any youth of handsome form,
To him she would not run but leap ;
Tis best to have nought to do with women.
Where is the young and sprightly maid,
Who would not quietly give her kiss,
To any lips that she might meet ?
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
Though married from th’ altar and the church,
From the good priest’s worthy hand,
Still are her way and temper bad;
"Tis best to have nought to do with women.
"Tis best to have nought to do with women,
Wrath and annoyance they provoke ;
He who does not this proclaim
Is sure to find a woe himself.
Pity.
The author of this is Andrew M‘Intosh.
The coquetry of Duncan from Taid’s daughter,
The most impudent coquetry men have seen,
The coquetry of the wife of David,
Coquetting like the wind in her red-tailed skirts,
Men had thought that I was dumb,
Whilst I’d three reasons not to speak.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 107
ae The author of this is the Bard M‘Intyre.’
What is this ship on Loch Inch,”
Of which we now may speak ?
What brought this ship on the loch,
Which songs cannot o’erlook ?
I would like much to ask,
Who was it brought that ship,
Afloat upon that angry loch,
Where changes often come ?
The fierce wind from the hills,
And bitter storms from the glens,
Oft has the vessel from the shore,
Stolen upon the dangerous sea.
Stranger, who sawest the ship,
On the rough and angry stream,
What should hinder thee to tell
About her and about her crew ?
An old ship without iron or stern,
Never have we seen her like,
The vessel all with leather patched,
Not even beneath the waves is’t tight.
Her boards are trifling bits of deals,
Black patches down along her sides,
Useless nails to fix them on
Upon her scanty, stinted ribs.
What woman cargo is in the black ship
ee ae
1 Nothing is known of this poet. The
modern M‘Intyre, the bard of Glenurchy,
has a place second to none among the
composers of Gaelic poetry ; but it would
appear that there was an older poet of
the name, and one not unknown to fame.
Four hundred years may produce no
little change in the place which not a
few men of note in our day hold in the
temple of fame, and greater stars than
the bard M‘Intyre may have their lustre
dimmed by time. He is another writer of
satires on women, a kind of composition
wonderfully popular, judging from our
MS. at the period. We only give a few
specimens of these, but there are several
in the miscellany, and some of a charac-
ter which, in modern days, one wonders
the Dean could have admitted to his
collection.
2 The only loch of this name with
which the Editor is acquainted is Loch
Inch, on the Spey, in Badenoch.
108
THE fame of the house of Dunolly, little favour where they
drive a herd.'
This brute is much like a dog, greedy aye for stolen flesh.
1 These satirical lines on the family of
Dunolly are given as a specimen of the
strain indulged in at times by the bards,
THE BOOK OF
Pulling her on betwixt the waves,
The cargo heartless and senseless too ?
Widows of a foolish mind,
A boasting, talkative crew,
A load vexatious and bad,
Quarrelsome and covetous,
Of evil minds and evil deeds.
Their ways and conversation bad,
A band of well-known fame,
No substance in what they say,
Drunken, singing, with levity,
A band ill-shapen, mischievous,
Who live by both sides of Loch Inch.
In spite of thee and of their ship
On the stormy sea’s dun face,
No good woman could take that ship,
However pressing the constraint.
The worst of women go to sea,
Others cannot give them help.
Let this ship be driven from the loch,
Down to the fierce and roaring deep,
Let the wind pursue the ship,
To the old point of Seananach.
There will I leave upon the stream,
The ill-favoured, ill-doing ship,
Of wicked widows full on the sea,
Without a psalm or creed e’er said,
What.
to gratify their animosity against hostile of the name.
clans. It need hardly be added, that the
Macdougalls of Lorn were a race as dis-
tinguished for the antiquity of their de-
scent, as for the high character of many
ee ee! ee ee ee
Pe eae ee
at a
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 109
The author of this is John M‘Murrich.
Sad to me’s my fate,
Though men don’t understand,
Suffer not, Son of God,
Me to have pain to-day.
Little thought the school
That such should be my fate,
The fate which me o’ertook,
’Tis it has me destroyed.
The pain in it I have,
Is threefold what I’ve felt,
The trouble I have found
Is weighted with a stone.
For her who caused my grief,
My wrath and rage are great.
Her skin like froth of waves,
Ruddy and soft her hand,
Her lips like berries red,
My soul she gently seized.
Since I slept last night,
Sad indeed my state.
I thought she was beside me,
That I saw her smile.
She’s not been since the day,
When began my grief.
She of curling locks,
And colour richly red,
Five jewels in a knot,
In the maiden’s name.
1 This John M‘Muirich, or M‘Vurrich,
was in all likelihood a member of the
family who were so long bards to Clan-
ranald, and who derived their name from
their great ancestor in the thirteenth
century, Muireach Albanach. A list of
the names of these bards is given for
eight generations by Lachlan, who lived
in 1800, in his declaration, as given in
the Report of the Highland Society on
Ossian, but it does not embrace this
John. The piece is chiefly interesting
from the historical references at the
close.
110
THE BOOK OF
Pity she’s not with me,
And others have her not.
That I myself might get
For evermore that friend.
Were I to suffer from,
What other men have felt,
The spear of great Cuchullin,
The horse of white
-steed Teague,
The purple shield unbroken,
Famous all in war
?
The speed of Mac Erc’s coursers,
Though much it is
to say,
Alas, more sad for me
The trouble I endure.
Duncan M‘Pheraon?
Alexander, hast thou left thy sadness,
Or is it so that thou canst not ?
Hast thou without God passed another year,
Or dost thou mean to live thus ever ?
Hast thou not found thy God,
Now that thou’rt aged and grey ?
If sadness be prosperity,
Rich are the gifts thou’st got from God.
Four men met at the
2
orave,
The grave of Alexander the great ;
They spoke the words of truth,
1 This writer was probably an eccle-
siastic, but nothing is known of him.
2 This composition is one of the few
of the more recent fragments in this MS.
which appear elsewhere. We have a
copy of it in the collection of Gaelic
poems made by Ronald M‘Donald, school-
master of Eigg, son of Alexander M‘Don-
ald, the famous Skye bard. M‘Donald’s
edition was most likely taken down from
oral recitation, and it is remarkable how
little it differs from this of the Dean’s,
250 years before.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Over the hero of Greece the fair.
The first man of them said,
“There were yesterday with the king,
The world’s great hosts, sad the tale,
Though to-day he lonely lies.”
“Yesterday the world’s great king
Proudly rode upon the earth ;
But to-day it is the earth
That rides upon the top of him.”
Then did the third wise speaker say,
“Yesterday Philip’s son owned the world ;
But to-day he only owns
Of it all not seven feet.”
“ Alexander, brave and great,
Who won and treasured gold and silver,
To-day,” the fourth man wisely said,
“The gold it is that treasures him.”
The palm among trees was Philip’s son,
The moon among the lesser stars,
As gold above the finest gems,
As among fish leviathan.
The lion amidst carrion,.
The eagle among other birds,
As Sion hill amidst the hills,
As Jordan amidst other streams.
The polished gem ’*mongst common stones, |
The sea amidst all lesser streams,
Noble was the fearless man,
The man above all other men.
The man above all other men,
Save heaven’s great and holy King.
King he was of herds and boars,
Ruler of hosts and heroes too.
True was the talk these speakers had,
As at the great king’s grave they met.
Unlike to women’s empty talk,
Were the sayings of the four.
Four.
111
112 (HE BOOK OF
John M‘Murrich said this.
The men of Albin, and not they alone,
Unless that M‘Gregor survived,
How much wrath would them destroy !
All excellence in Alexander.'
Finlay, the red-haired bard, said this.”
Gael-like is every leap of the ey horse,
A Gael she is in truth.
It is she who conquers and wins,
In all that I’ now sing.
The praise of speed to her limbs,
In every fierce assault.
Marked, and famous her strength,
While quiet at the house of prayer.
The birds are they who could,
Strive with her in the race.
Not false is the fame of that horse,
The steed both sturdy and swift,
Liker she was to Duseivlin,®
Than to the beast of Lamacha.*
They who would view her size and triumphs,
Can nowhere find her match.
1 Alexander was a family name of the
MacgregorsofGlenstrae. In the obituary
contained in this MS. is the following
entry :—1526. Obitus Gregorii filii Jo-
hannis M‘Gregor, alias M‘Evine M‘A1-
lester de Glenschray. This would indi-
cate the period of Alexander as about
the middle of the fifteenth century.
2 This Finlay is the author of several
pieces in this miscellany. He is appar-
ently the Finlay M‘Nab to whom another
composition is attributed, and is called
in one place ‘Am bard maith,” The
good poet. He seems to have been the
family bard of M‘Gregor, the praise of
whose horse he here proclaims in most
poetic strains.
3 Duseivlin was one of the famous
steeds of the Feinn.
4 The beast of Lamacha, ‘‘ Aidhre an
Lamacha,” is entirely unknown to the
Editor. The animal is called ‘‘ Beisd,”
a beast, in a subsequent part of the
poem. It must have been some animal
famous in the country for its ugliness.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 113
Just like the wheeling of the mountain winds,
Is the action of the prancing steed.
Hundreds admire her paces,
Like one in frenzy passing.
Like the point of an arrow this horse,
Famous are all her doings.
Bands of the great witness her course,
As with speed she rushes.
Though far before her stands the groom,
No blunderer is her rider.
Few are the words would tell her praise,
Like birds on wing her movements. -
Her triumphs and paces the same,
Whether ’mong rocks or bogs she moves.
Before that horse all men do fear,
When she comes in the trappings of war.
In the troop, the hunt, or the conflict,
That horse a noble horse is.
That horse is all full of spirit,
As fameworthy she follows the banner.
That wave-like steed, hardy and keen,
Will win for her rider the praise of men,
Forth from her stall she takes the lead,
That gentle, great, and active horse.
She will triumph in speed and slaughter,
Till that the day in evening sinks.
Ready to treasure the girdle of gold,
The field with violence shakes.
Startling, rounded, bright, well shod,
Gentle, broad-backed, coloured well.
A horse of such great fame as this,
I long had heard that they possessed.
Where was ever found her match,
Not he, the beast of Lamacha.
Mac Gregor ’s the master of that horse,
1 The girdle of gold would seem to have been the prize conferred upon the
victor in a race.
H
114 THE BOOK OF .-
Prince of the house to poets free.
From Banva men do come to praise,
To Albion they do come to seek,
The man who robs from the Saxon,
And e’er puts his trust in the Gael.
Finlay the red-haired bard.
I am a stranger long to success,
Tis time that I should have it.
Tis time now to desist, _
From satire justly due.
The way that I shall take,
To seek a noble branch,
Is to the Prince of the Gael,
Where are no worthless guests.
To Mac Gregor the brave,
Head of all the schools ; !
He’s neither cruel nor sparing,
To praise him is our duty.
To whom courage is a right ;
When summer time comes round,
Peace he never knows,
He’s in the throat of all his fellows.
When men of him do speak,
As Gregor of the blows,
Tis his delight to drive,
Flocks and herds before him.
Of that flock John’s? the head,
1 The schools of the bards. Many
Highland bards at this period were
trained in Ireland, of which these poems
bear evident marks.
2 In his obituary the Dean enters at
1519, May 24-26, death of John dubh
Mac Gregor of Glenstrae, at Stronmeloch-
ane. He was buried in Dysart (Glen-
urchy), north of the great altar, in a
stone coffin, upon the 26th of May 1519,
on which day there was a great mourn-
ing in Glenurchy. The Elizabeth after-
wards mentioned was probably the wife
of this chief.
a. ee.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 115
The king at lifting eattle,
I myself will sing,
Mouth with mouth at daybreak.
When his sharp-armed men see,
Mac Gregor at the Bealach,!
His way so gently soft,
No weight to them their burdens.
Then when war arises,
Proclaimed in enemies’ hearts,
It is to him they'd gather,
Clothed in martial dress.
"Tis of Mac Gregor’s fame,
When fighting’s left behind.
To men not to be cruel,
His castle full of mirth ;
When victory I had left
Upon the field of war,
When of the fight I spoke,
Nought loved my patron more.
Though sad, on the stormy lake,
To tell men of my grief,
To have a crew of mariners,
Is best in battle’s day.
Remember I'll be with thee,
Mac Gregor without stain,
In face of any foe,
Long, long’s the time.
Gentle Elizabeth,
Change thou my state ;
Woman of softest locks,
And of the loftiest brow.
I am.
1 “ Bealach,” the modern “ Tay- about 1490, when it passed by Royal
mouth,” was, with the territory around, charter into the possession of the Knights
in possession of the M‘Gregors down to of Glenurchy.
116 _ THE BOOK OF
The author of this is Duncan MacCailein, the good knight.
Who is now chief of the beggars,
Since the famous man is dead ?
Tears flow fast for the man,
For beggary has lost its strength.
The orphan is in a piteous case,
Beggary’s gone since Lachlan’s death.
In every homestead this is sad,
That beggary should want for knowledge.
If he be dead, I’ve never heard,
Of one that could compare with Lachlan,
Since God created man at first;
It is a source of bitter grief,
That without mother or a father,
Poor beggary should be so weak.
Since that Bretin’s son is dead,
Why should I not mourn his loss ?
There is no man now on earth
Who can beg as he could do.
Since Lachlan the importunate’s dead,
Great’s the grief that is in Erin.
Who will now beg a little purse ?
Who will even beg a needle ?
Who will beg a worthless coin ?
Since that rough-palmed Lachlan’s dead.
Who will beg a pair of brogues,
And then will beg a pair of buckles ?
Who will beg a shoulder plaid ?
Whose begging now will give us sport ?
1 This poet is generally supposed, by
those who have seen the Dean’s MS., to
have been Sir Duncan Campbell of Glen-
urchy, one of the most distinguished of
the ancestors of the present noble family
of Breadalbane. There are several pieces
in the MS. attributed to him. These
are remarkable for caustic humotr, in-
dulged in in several cases at the ex-
pense of the female sex. He almost
uniformly receives the title of ‘‘ An Ridir
maith,” The good Knight. The present
piece is a strange satirical elegy on a
miser.
~~ =e
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Who will beg soles for his shoes ?
. Who will ask a peacock’s feather ?
Who will beg an eye for his belt ?
Who will mix in any mischief ?
Who will beg an old felt hat?
Who will beg a book to read ?
Who will beg an early meal ?
Who is it wears arms with his dress ?
Who will beg for boots and spurs ?
Who is it will beg for bristles ?
Who will beg for sids and meal ?
Who will beg a sheaf of rye ?
Who will ask a sporran spoon ?
Who will gather without shame ?
Since Lachlan the hero is dead.
Who will now afford us sport ?
Who will beg for maidens’ shifts,
Since old shoe’d Lachlan is dead ?
Sad the fate that he should die,
Who will ask men for a rullion ?
Who will steal the servant's feather,
And who is it can’t tell the truth ?
Who likes to travel in a boat,
And likes his old friends to visit ?
Who will beg the hen with her eggs ?
Who will beg a brood of chickens ?
Who will ask the hen’s overplus,
After a handful of money ?
Who will beg a headless pin ?
Who can read as he can do ?
That Lachlan should leave no heir,
Is that which mournful makes his death.
Who will beg for a hook and line ?
Who will seek for open doors ?
Who will beg for unboiled rennet ?
Who will beg for anything ?
Who won’t give a penny to the poor,
117
118
THE BOOK OF
And yet e’en from the naked begs ?
Who would oppress the very child,
And is cruel to the infant ?
Who would beg for wool and butter,
That they may have it, after Lachlan ?
Who would beg a woman’s collar ?
Who is it likes a dirty heap ?
Who would beg from young women,
From little dogs and weasels ?
Who would take the fire from an infant ?
Who would steal e’en the dead ?
Who is sick when he is well ?
Who on his gruel begs for butter ?
More sad for me than this man’s death,
Is that he has left no heir.
For fear that beggary should die,
And none be found to keep it up.
Do not ye forget the man,
Men of the earth, do ye,
Each of you for himself make rhymes,
My malison on him that won't.
If Lachlan died on Monday last,
Every man will joyful be.
Sad it is that for his death,
None there is who will lament.
Who is now.
Gormlay, daughter of Flann, the good wife.
Alas! alas! my own great pain,
Afas! that I’ve my beauty lost,
To-night sore is my wound,
Since that Mac O’Neill is dead.
Alas! to want the son of Dervail,
Alas! my fate now left behind,
— Oe -
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 119
Guaire’s hospitality is nought,
Erin’s a desert without him.
Alas! for the good king of Banva,
How fair thy form down to this night,
Since he, my life, in battle died,
Nought will I say but alas! alas!
Alas!
The author of this is Duncan M‘Cabe.}
M‘Dougall of bright armour,
A noble chief’s thy famous son,
All that I think is true
Of thy fair-formed, prudent child.
’T were better that thy fair head
Were now exposed than mine, kind friend.
Duncan Carrach? is his name,
A name that triumphed ever.
Duncan of bravest deeds,
Remember thy first honoured name ;
Son of Allan,® do not merit,
Reproach thy race did ne’er deserve.
Since now that thou art so well known,
With every reason to esteem thee,
To thee is given the foremost place,
Since thou the favourite art of all.
1 We know nothing of this poet. The
name is a rare one, although still exist-
ing in the Highlands.: He would appear
to have been a family bard of the Mac-
dougalls of Dunolly.
2 In the Dean’s chronicle of deaths,
contained in this MS., is the following
entry in Latin :—1512, Jul.13. Thedeath
of Duncan M‘Dougall, who was slain A.D.
1512, who was the son and heir of Alex-
ander M‘Dougall of Dunolly ; and Dun-
can was buried in Ardchattan 13th July.
**Carrach” means a scald head, from
which he seems to have got his name in
childhood. The poet refers to his head
as now more smooth than his own.
3 In Innes’ Orig. Par. vol. ii. part 1,
p- 115, it is sai¢, on the authority of
the Acts of Council, that, in 1478, Colin
Earl of Ergile was sued by Alane Sorle-
sone M‘Cowle for warrandice of the lands
of Lereage and Wouchtrouch, ete. This
is probably the Alan referred to by the
bard.
120
THE BOOK OF
True it is thou art indeed
The man to take the richest spoil.
Like a bull that’s fierce for fight,
‘Tis thus thou goest to make war.
"Tis thou who traversest Cruachan,'
Casting thy spear beneath its knolls.
Thy fame is as that of the leopard,
Thou art Duncan of Durinis.
Thou quellest quick thy foe,
Thou stainest both hands with blood.
Thou cheerest us when we are weary,
Thou art the source of all our joy.
He is the man whom ’tis easiest
In song like mine to praise,
Which among heroes I compose,—
The generous dragon of Connal.”
Other fame belongs to him,
The art that is in his gun.
The bravery and skill of Erin
Bound firmly up in all his blows.
Whatever skill a king’s son has,
That he has, with no defect.
The purest speech has come to him,
This will in thy son be found.
Now I see thee raise the tax,
Truly out of every homestead,
Noble king of bravest deeds,
Descendant of that martial race.
Macdougall.
1 “ Ben Cruachan,” the highest moun- at the mouth of Loch Etive, where the
tain in Lorn, the ancient territory ofthe stream at times becomes a salt-water
clan Dougall.
cascade. The name ‘ Connal,” ‘ Con-
? ConnalFerry, the remarkable narrow _ thuil,” means a roaring stream.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. - 121
The author of this is John M‘Ewen M‘Kacharn.!
A mournful cry amongst Conn’s? race,
Heavy indeed is now their loss ;
As every one now follows John,
Silent they can’t be at his grave.
What grief did ever them o’ertake,
The race of Conn ne’er honour lost.
For John each man does weep,
Necessity leads us to his grave ;
Sad is the land because of thy death,
Son of the noble race from Allan.
Great is our grief as thee we mourn,
Few are the men that shed not tears.
Sorely has it touched us all,
Grievous the tale that John is dead.
Tidings from the Dun went through the land,
The stranger now does o’er us rule.
Changeful the world down till John’s death,
Now they rise not to the fray ;
Since then indeed thy race is sad,
This grief now has them sorely wounded.
‘Tis grief to them that thou art thus,
Clan Dougall mourn for their great chief ;
The conflict of their grief is long,
The tale which now is told is grievous ;
Thou messenger who brought the news, |
God made thee messenger of evil ;
! We have no written or traditional
account of this poet. He was manifestly
one of the bards of the clan Dougall.
The difficulty of deciphering the Dean’s
writing is in this case increased by the
peculiar measure of the composition,
which is one of those well known to Irish
scholars, and where the accentuation is
in accordance with the Irish mode.
The Editor does not pretend to have de-
ciphered every line with perfect accuracy,
but he is pretty well assured of having
caught the meaning of the poet through-
out.
2 The clan Dougall, as well as the
cognate clan Donald, were held by the
bards to have descended from ‘‘ Conn
Ceud chatha,” Conn of the hundred
battles, King of Ireland.
122 THE BOOK OF
Ere men thy tidings did recite,
Pity they had not lost their ears.
The abundance of my racking grief
Has almost my eyesight ta’en away ;
No feeble mourning is’t for John,
Tears for him I cannot shed ;
Mourning for our buried prince,
The death of Macdougall of Dunolly.
His was the form of Conn’s great race,
Like a nut kernel, fair and rounded ;
His death has been a grievous breach,
The very waves sing his lament.
Above the beach,! since John has died,
No ceasing is there of men’s sorrow ;
Men speak not even now of joy,
Since that this grief has on them seized ;
Bitter sorrow has them filled,
No word of sport, of music none ;
That way is called the sacred way,
That from the beach leads to the grave.
So do men thus mourn their loss,
And women too, who loved thee well.
Shall I from thy soft locks have honour ?
In place of it I have but ruin.
I mourn as on thy grave I stand,
All I see makes me lament ;
Women will not leave thy grave,
So truly heavy is their sorrow.
Raise up a tomb for our fair prince,
Let it be wide as Cruachan’s cell,
That men may see by what they do,
How heavily on them weighs their grief.
The clan with weeping do thee mourn,
Their soul is sad, they cannot sleep.
Dougall’s race before thy death,
1 The Macdougalls of Dunolly buried at the old Priory of Ardchattan, on the
banks of Loch Etive.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 123
Never did fear the face of foe.
Chieftain, thy death has come on them,
"T would be no boast to rule them now. —
Not few the women at John’s grave,
Pouring their tears from day to day ;
Of women bands even by night,
With bare heads gathering on the plain ;
No wonder is’t that they should mourn,
Because of John of brightest fame.
No day can pass but hearts are full
Of this sad tale, that wakes our mourning.
I care not though ’t be thus with them,
Though they should feel what I don’t like ;
Thy death for us is ill to bear,
Sore the state to which it brings us ;
I stand amidst the gloom of death,
No word is there of wonted song ;
My heart is truly rent in twain,
As we speak of his departure ;
Never were we thus before,
That it is grief to ask, how fares he ;
"Tis cause of sorrow that he is absent,
I mourn that he is no more with us;
Now that he sleeps in his cold grave,
"Tis melancholy what men feel to tell ;
They cannot cease from shedding tears,
Castle and cottage both in sorrow ;
The rising tide has swept o'er hills,
So for John do mourn his comrades ;
Yet there’s no heaving of the sea,
Not of the boisterous sea at Connal ;'
For thou art mourned, great chief of Conn,
In all the borders of clan Dougall ;
The land for thee does seem to weep,
Loud is the ery, with much distress,
From the musicians of Dougall’s race,
1 Connal Ferry, on Loch Etive.
124 THE BOOK OF
The learned men, and leading bards.
On John’s grave lies a heavy stone,
‘Tis grief to me to tell the story ;
Far otherwise than Neil! would wish,
Does every scandal now appear ;
Have they no care to see his grave,
Since that John has overcome them ?
The race of Conn are now but few,
Since death has ta’en away Macdougall ;
No pleasure in the violin’s sounds,
Nor writing poetry without him ;
Poetry brings no honour now,
Since death has seized the son of Mary;
Few are the mouths that now can tell,
How commanding is her privilege,
Now that on their backs are laid,
Both the heads of the clan Dougall;
That John’s great power I do not find
Soon after losing John his father ;
May God preserve thy noble nature,
Who wisdom learned from thy Isla? teacher ;
Horses can’t insure a triumph,
Men must leave them, and depart ;
After the three, our loss is great,
My heart, in truth, can find no comfort ;
Mournful in youth to see such loss,
Death has seized two Johns and Alexander ;°
1 There is considerable obscurity about
these lines. It would serve to elucidate
the meaning if we knew of any feud be-
tween this chief and the clan Neil, or
any person of the name of Neil belong-
ing to any other Highland clan. The
Editor has not been able to find any in-
formation on this subject.
2 The original here is indistinct. The
word ‘noid illeich,’’ made “an oide
lich,” may be “nord Illeich,” or ‘an
uird Ilich, The Isla order, meaning some
ecclesiastical order in Isla, by whom he
was educated, or it may refer to the
weapons of war for which Isla was
famous.
8 Alexander was Laird of Dunolly in
1493; Greg. High. p. 83. His son Duncan
Carrach was slain young; Dean’s Obit.
Greg. Ed. In Innes’ Orig. Par. vol. ii.
pt. i. p. 114, we find that, in 1451, Stew-
art Lord of Lorn granted to John M‘Alan
of Lorn, called M‘Cowle, and to John
Keir (‘‘ ciar,” dark), his eldest son and
heir, etc., twenty-nine marklands of the
island of Caruvray, etc. These are pro-
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 125
Alexander, whom no restraint could bind,
That I of him should also tell ;
Thy breast was stout to the rushing wave,
ne a) ee
ye eS eS ee eee ee ee rr!
Thy body now! alas my sorrow ;
Never do ye seek again
That John’s young heir should go to battle ;
That he should stand ’midst battle’s storm,
Lest soon he come to his long grave.
The author of this is Finlay M‘Nab.
The sluggard’s Book of Poems,’
If ’t were your wish to write in it,
Among what they have left you ’ll find
Enough wherewith to fill it.
Though many the men there be,
Who cruelly the people oppress,
Never will these be found,
Honoured in famous songs.
Of all the fruits of sluggards,
Though there be of them a thousand,
The house in which these do meet,
They ne’er can by any means reach.
They are both gentle and simple,
Dressed in their Sunday coats ;
And yet of all their productions,
It happens we never can hear.
I won’t their genealogy tell,
Of their history nothing I know,
bably the two Johns and Alexander of
our bard. ‘This holding of the Stewarts
“may explain the bard’s reference to the
rule of the stranger.
1 The word “ duanaire,” here used in
the original, means ‘a miscellany of
poetical compositions.” The Dean’s MS.
is a “duanaire,” but not a ‘‘ duanaire
nan strangair,” for the Dean seems to
have been a most industrious compiler.
This piece of M‘Nab’s is a satire on lazy
composers or compilers. It is valuable
as showing that the ancient bards wrote
their compositions. The number of such
books must have been large, although
during the course of centuries they seem
to have perished with few exceptions.
126 THE BOOK OF _
But that they are out at evening,
Followed close by their hounds.
Dugall, thou art their fellow,
John’s son of the polished blade,
In whom flows the sluggard’s blood,
Write thou in the Book of Poems.
Write knowingly, intelligently,
Write their history and their life ;
Don’t bring a poem on the earth,
To have it read by Mac Cailein.
Remember this my claim on thee,
Gregor, as thou hast heard
That I have as an obligation,
All thine to put in the Book of Poems.
Let there be nothing in this poem
Of priests or of tenantry ;
But nothing of this band there is,
Which is not in the Book of Poems.
The sluggard’s.
The author of this is Hafric M‘Corqudale.’
Jewel,” who has roused my grief,
Beloved hast thou been of me,
Beloved that joyous, generous heart,
Which thou hadst until this night.
Thy death has filled me with grief,
The hand round which I lived so long,
That I hear not of its strength,
And that I saw it not depart ;
That joyful mouth of softest sounds,
Well was it known in every land.
1 This poetess seems to have been the 2 The word ‘‘ paidrein,” derived from
wife of the last M‘Neil of Castle Sween. ‘‘Paidir,” The Lords Prayer, really
The name M‘Corqudale is common in means @ rosary.
Kintyre.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 127
Lion of Mull, with its white towers,
Hawk of Isla, with its smooth plains,
Shrewdest of all the men we knew,
Whom guest ne'er left without a gift.
Prince of good men, gentle, kind,
Whose mien was that of a king’s son,
Guests came to thee from Dunanoir,!
Guests from the Boyne? for lordly gifts,
Truth it is they often came,
Not oftener than gave thee joy.
Shapely falcon of Sliabh Gael,
Protection to the bards thou gav’st,
Dragon of Lewis of sandy slopes,
Glad as the whisper of a stream ;
The loss of but a single man
Has left me lonely, now he’s gone.
No sport, no pleasing song,
No joy, nor pleasure in the feast ;
No man whom I can now love,
Of Nial’s race down from Nial og ;+
Among our women there’s no joy,
Our men no pleasure have in sport,
Just like the winds when it is calm,
So without music is Dun Sween.?
See the palace of a generous race,
Vengeance is taken on clan Neil,
The cause of many a boastful song,
And will till they lay us in the grave ;
1 Dunanoir was a castle on the island
of Cape Clear, on the south-west coast
of Ireland. See Miscell. of Celt. Soc. p.
143.
2 Theriver Boyne. From Dunanoir to
the Boyne included all Ireland.
3 Sliabh Ghaidheael, a range of hillsin
Kintyre.
4 In Innes’ Orig. Par. vol. ii. pt. i. p.
41, we find that Hector M‘Torquil Mac
Neil was constable of Castle Sween in
1472. In 1481 the office and lands were
conferred on Colin Earl of Argyle. Be-
tween these two periods M‘Neil would
appear to have died, leaving no heir in
the direct line.
5 Castle Sween is an ancient strong-
hold at the mouth of Loch Sween in
Knapdale, said to take its name from
Sween of Argyle, who flourished in the
thirteenth century; but the Irish an-
nalists make mention of it at a much
earlier period. It was probably a strong-
hold of the Dalriadic monarchs.
128 THE BOOK OF
And now ’tis hard to bear, alas!
That we should lose on every side.
Didst thou, son of Adam, crush
Any cluster of three nuts,
It is to him thou lovest most
The largest third of them thou ‘dst give.
Thus of their husk the topmost nut,
Does to clan Neil, ungrudged, belong.
The bountiful have often poured
Their gifts on the dwelling of clan Neil.
The prince, who was the last of all,
Is he who me with gloom has filled.
In half my purpose I have failed,
Jewel, who has roused my grief.
Broken my heart is in my breast,
And so ’t will be until I die ;
Left by that black and noble eyelid,
Jewel, who hast roused my grief.
Mary, mother, foster-mother of the king,
Protect thou me from every shaft ;
And thou, her Son, who all things mad’st.
Jewel, who hast roused my grief.
Jewel.
The author of this is Dougall Mac Gille glas.'
Bold as a prince is John? in each gathering,
’"T were long to sing his race’s glory ;
Of this there is no doubt ’mong men,
That he is the first of the race of kings.
Mac Gregor of the bravest deeds,
1 This poet was probably a M‘Gregor. — the subject of this laudatory ode. He is
* In the Dean’s Obits, as already called grandson of Malcolm. According-
quoted, we find that, in 1519, died John _ly, we find among the Dean’s Obits, that
Dow M‘Patrick M‘Gregor of Glenstray, Malcolm M‘Gregor, son and heir to John
at Stronmelochan. He was apparently M‘Gregor of Glenstray, died in 1498.
1 The original is “‘ sliochd an row,” or
*‘an rudha.” It is translated as if the
word were “‘righe,” kings ; but the Edi-
tor is in doubt if this be the word meant.
* The M‘Gregor’s glens were Glenur- _ lands.
chay, Glendochart, and Glenlyon.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Is the boldest chief in any land ;
Between his gold and Saxons’ spoil,
Well may he live in ease and peace.
Choice for courage of the Grecian Gael,
Whose meed of praise shall ne'er decay,
Abounding in charity and love,
Known in the lands of the race of kings.’
White-toothed falcon of the three glens,”
With whom we read the bravest deeds,
The boldest arm ’midst fight of clans,
Best of the chiefs from the race of kings.
When on Mac Phadrick of ruddy cheeks,
Wrath in battle’s hour awaked,
The men who with him share the fight
Are never safe amidst its blows.
Grandson to Malcom of bright eyes,
Whom none could leave but felt their loss,
The generous, gentle, shapely youth,
The readiest hand when aught’s to do.
The race of Gregor stand round John,
Not as a weak one is their blow;
The famous race without a fault,
Round him like a fence they stand.
Clan Gregor who show no fear,
Even when with the king they strive,
Though brave Gael may be the foe,
That they count of little weight.
Gael or Saxon are the same,
To these brave men of kingly race,
Sons of Gregor bold in fight,
Bend not before the fiercest foe.
Prince® of the host of generous men,
129
8 <¢Brainean,” the word here trans-
lated prince, is the ancient Gaelic form
of the Welsh “ Brenhin,” a king. The
word is now obsolete in the High-
130
THE BOOK OF
To Gregor of golden bridles, heir,
Pity the men whom you may spoil,
Worse for them who you pursue.
Chief of Glen Lyon of the blades,
Shield and benefactor of the Church,
His arm like Oscar’s in the fight,
To whom in all things he is like.
Kindness mantles on his red cheek,
Thy praise he justly wins, ungrudged ;
Benevolence when to men he shows,
Horses and gold he freely gives.
Mac Gregor of the noble race,
No wonder though bards should fill thy court ;
To his white breast there is no match,
But he so famous mong the Feinn.
Three fair watches him surround,
Never as captives were his men;
His arm in battle’s struggle strong,
Well did he love to hunt the deer.
In mien and manners he was like’
The king who ruled amongst the Feinn.
Mac Gregor of the spoils, his fortune such
That choicest men do covet it.
Good and gentle is his blue eye,
He’s like Mac Cumhail of liberal horn,
Like when giving us his gold,
Like when bestowing gifts on bards,
Like in wooing or in hunt,
To the Cu Caird! among the Feinn.
Fortune attends the race of kings,
Their fame and wisdom both are great,
Their bounty, prudence, charity,
Are knit to them, the race of kings,
* “Cu ceaird,” The artificer’s dog, is _ artificer to King Cormac ; whereupon he
an old name for Cuchullin. It is said | undertook to watch himself, and hence
in Ireland to have originated in Cuchul- _— obtained the name of Cullin’s dog, or
lin having killed the watch-dog of Cullin, Cuchullin, also ** Cu ceaird.”
eae a
ie
ak ee |
,
So
*
~~
=
=
Ta Ne eee aE
. : past
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 131
Wine and wax and honey,
These, with the stag-hunt, their delight.
Famous the actions of John’s clan,
Like to the sons of the Fenian king ;
John himself was like to Finn,
First and chief ’mongst all his men.
Though many sought to have Finn’s power,
*Mongst those who fought against the Feinn,
On Patrick’s son fortune attends,
His enemies he has overcome.
Mac Gregor who destroys is he,
Bountiful friend of Church and bards.
Of handsome form, of women loved,
He of Glenstray of generous men.
Easy ’t is to speak of John,
His praise to raise loud in the song,
Giving his horses and his gold,
Just as a king should freely give.
King of Heaven, Mary virgin,
Keep me as I should be kept ;
To the great city fearless me bring
Where dwells the Father of the king.
Bold.
Fonp’ are men of being high-born,
Whatever their wealth may be ;
Great scorn of the illegitimate,
Who seek to approach the king.
Hear me, though ye may mock,
Ye race of commons and gentles,
The number of famous chiefs,
1 This is a curious fragment, and isof | dombhnaich, Servus Domini, was appar-
interest from the references in it to the ently the illegitimate son of some man
Highland clans. The writer, who to- of note, and was in all likelihood a Mac-
wards the close gives his name as Maol- lean.
132
THE BOOK OF
Who go to make up my fame.
I’m of the blood of clan Dougal,
A race of unquestioned right ;
But brave and bold though they be,
"Tis not of them I’ve my all.
My kinsman is Mac Chailein,
Who freely gives gold to the bards ;
Why should I be sorrowful,
My uative place is in Earla.’
My native place is in Earla,
Clan Donald lie off to the west ;
My dwelling is with clan Gillean,
The men who in battle can fight.
Mac Phee of Colonsay,
No stranger is he to my race,
And Mac Niel of Barray,
Of pure and gentle descent.
Mac Nee I also remember,
And also the powerful Mac Sween,
Clan Leod and clan Ranald,
Chiefs from whom I descend.
Cattanachs and Mac Intoshes,
They too are among my friends ;
The Camerons and clan Gregor,
The men from Breadalbane who come.
Stewarts, though widely they be
Scattered throughout the whole earth,
Old, certain, swift-footed the tale,
That of them was my father’s grandmother.
In Balquhidder and Breadalbane,
My friends are numerous found ;
Kindly men in bringing aid,
These are my kindred true.
Clan Lauchlan and clan Lamond,
Clan Neil, who learn feats of war ;
1 There is, between Tobermory and maps Arile. This was probably the re-
Aros in Mull, a place marked in the _ sidence of our bard.
FeSO ae Oe
eT
lee ie aH Oe ee eee ey ae ee ee
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 133
Friends of mine are clan Tavish,
"Midst their green hills and their braes.
These little vigorous men,
Who dwell in the straths of the land,
I visit M‘Dougal of Craignish,
I’ve a friend besides in Mac Ivor.
Gillean who has come from Mull,
Woman from the race of mariners,
Never did compass the earth,
The man whom she did not attract.
Faithful and steadfast friend,
Chief who was kind to Maol Donich,
In the liking which this man has,
No man more favour could get.
Fond.
The author of this is the Baron Ewen M‘Omie.'
Long do I feel my lying here,
My health to me is a stranger ;
Fain would I pay my health’s full price,
Were mine the numerous spoils. —
A spoil of white-haired, heavy cows,
A spoil of cows for drink or feasting,
I'd give besides the heavy bull,
If for my cure I had the price.
The herds and flocks of Mannanan,”
The sword and horn of Mac Cumhail,
The trumpet of Manallan® I’d give,
1 The Editor has not been able to
identify the author of this poetical com-
plaint. During the existence of baronies,
with their bailies or local judges, the
number of barons or baron bailies in the
Highlands must have been large. Of this
class was most likely our poet.
2 An ancient Celtic hero, from whom
the Isle of Man takes its name, as well
as the district in Scotland called Sla-
mannan.
3 The Editor has not been able to ob-
tain any account of this person. There
is a contraction over the second @ in the
MS., which makes the reading doubtful.
134 THE BOOK OF
And the quiver of Cuchullin,
Ir, Evir, and Eireamon,’
And were I to possess them,
The harp of Curcheoil,? which hid men’s grief,
The shield of the King of Golnor.”
Lomond’s® ship of greatest fame,
Had I it upon the strand,
All I’ve seen Id freely give,
Ere as now I'd long remain.
Long to me appears the coming
Of Alexander Mac Intosh,
That my disease he might drive away,
And thus I might no longer lie.
Long.
No Author.‘
For the race of Gael, from the land of Greece
There is no place where they can rest ;
Doubtless thou would’st much prefer
To raise the Gaelic race on high.
Now that thou risest ’gainst the Saxon,
Let not thy rising be a soft one ;
Have your swords with sharpened blades,
4 The three sons of Milidh of Spain,
from whom the Milesian races are de-
scended, according to Celtic story.
2? The Editor can give no account of
these names. The traditions respecting
them seem to have perished.
’ A famous Celtic hero, from whom
Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond are said
to derive their names.
4 There is a portion of the beginning
of this ode wanting, and we have no
means of knowing who the poet was.
A reference to the history of the time,
and the names introduced into the
poem, however, suggest very emphati-
cally the occasion of it. It is addressed
to Archibald, Earl of Argyle, Chancellor
of Scotland, who was killed at the
battle of Flodden in 1513. The Saxons
assailed so virulently by the poet are,
in all likelihood, not the Lowland Scotch
but the English, and the poem is pro-
bably a ‘‘ Brosnachadh catha,” or incite-
ment to the rising of the Scotch, and
particularly the Argyle men, previous
to the disastrous battle of Flodden.
This invests the fragment with peculiar
historical interest. There seems not to
be much of the poem wanting, probably
only a few lines.
i i
ee ae eee oe
ie
rater een
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Let your spears stand by your sides,
Let us not forsake our country,
Let us fiercely, bravely fight.
It is said by the Gael of Banva,'
Our fathers did the tale repeat,
And I have heard there was a time,
Long ago, that Innis Aingin’”
Was ruled by the Fomorian® race,
Who raised from it a heavy tax.
Thus for a while the Saxons have
Our country burdened heavily ;
And now each clan is full of fear,
And we are plunged in grievous doubt.
But now that a gathering’s begun,
There’s need that chiefs should rouse them up ;
For with them, ’tis my opinion,
We will share a common fate.
135
Who is the man, whom we can tell,
Will from the Saxon save the Gael ?
Who in our day has won much fame,
And whose house is truly noble ?
Know a man, were he but willing,
Of whom we readily might tell,
His power in Banva widely known,
Men all bound with him to gather.
Archibald of the pointed head,
Of thee it is that men now speak.
Earl of Argyle,* I thee beseech,
Be as a hero in the conflict ;
? Treland.
* There was an Innis Aingin, an island
in the Shannon, famous as being the
place to which St. Ciaran retired to spend
the latter part of his life. It is here
apparently taken to represent a portion
of Ireland. See Mr, O’Curry’s Lect. p.
58.
3 An early race of pirates, said to have
infested the Irish coasts. The word is
said to be derived from ‘‘ fo mhuir,”
under the sea, and is supposed to indi-
cate their coming from the low sea coasts
of Holland or Denmark.
4 Archibald, Earl of Argyle, Chancel-
lor of Scotland, who was killed at Flod-
den in 1513. He is called Iarla ‘ Oirthir
Ghaidheal,” The sea-coast of the Gael,
which would seem to be the true etymo-
logy of ‘* Argyle.”
136 | THE BOOK. OF
A hero who shall reign supreme
O’er Gael from the famous land ;
Noble, high-born prince of the Gael,
Thou ‘lt in apportioned Albin reign.
Hero, who'll desert no fight,
With sword, so long as right remains,
Who for the Gael from Greece, subjection
Ne’er suffer would at Saxon’s hand.
The very roots from whence they grow,
Pluck them that thou may’st us deliver ;
Suffer not a Saxon hence to live,
After that thou overcom’st them.
Burn all their women, ugly in form ;
Burn their children, every one ;
Burn their black huts, burn them all ;
And crush their enmity to us.
Drown their warriors in their streams,
When their accoutrements are burnt.
Cease not, while a Saxon lives,
To drown them weakened in their streams.
Remember thou, of ruddy cheeks,
The claims we on the Saxon have ;
Oppression and beggary all thy days, »
When that their oppression throve.
Remember thy own father Colin ;*
Remember Archibald,’ father to him;
Remember Duncan,’ the prosperous,
He who was liberal and friendly ;
Remember thou that other Colin ; 4
Remember Archibald? as well ;
1 Colin, second Earl of Argyle, and
Chancellor of Scotland, who married
Isabella, second daughter of Stewart,
Lord of Lorn.
2 Sir Archibald, first Earl of Argyle,
called ‘‘Gillespuig Ruadh,” Archibald
the red.
8 Sir Duncan of Argyle, commonly
called ‘‘ Dunchadh an aigh,” or Duncan
of good fortune.
' 4 Sir Colin of Argyle, called “ Cailean
iongantach,” wonderful Colin, and also
** Cailean maith,” good Colin.
5 Sir Archibald of Argyle, called
‘¢ Gilleaspuig mor,” Archibald the great.
ae er
Tan Fo fe
ys
Be A ove Pe
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 137
Remember Colin? first of all,
He who was brave amongst the Gael.
Remember that they never gave
Their tax from terror of the Saxon ;
Much more it now belongs to thee
To see that thou bear’st not this tax.
Now that there is but thy sire’s blood,
Of Gael from the famous land,
Let the men together come,
Let them fill with fear their foes.
Let them attack the Saxon now,
Wake thee up then, son of Colin,
Golden-haired one, war is begun,
‘Tis not good to sleep too much.
Great.
The author of this is Duncan Mac Dougall Maoil.’
The history of the secret origin of John Mac Patrick,’
Why should I conceal it ?
What belongs to his race is not feeble,
The bearing of that race we love.
Seldom of a feeble race it is,
Among the Gael of purest fame,
That inquiry of their origin is made,
By the men who read in books.
Firm the belief to them and me,
During the evening time so dark,
1 Sir Colin of Argyle, called *‘ Cailean
og,” young Colin, son of Neil, son of
Colin, called ‘‘ Cailean mor,” from whom
the family take the patronymic of “‘ Mac
Chailein mhdir,” The son of great Colin.
Cailean mor was also called ‘‘ Cailean na
Sreang,” froma mountain between Loch
Awe and Lorn, where he was killed in a
feud with the Macdougalls. (MS. Gen.
not. of fam. of Argyle, pen. Ed.)
2 This author is one of the writers of
the MS., and a Macgregor. By referring
to the genealogy at p. 143 of the MS.,
we find him designating himself as Dun-
chadh daoroglach, Mac Dhughaill, Mhic
Eoin riabbaich — Duncan the appren-
tice, son of Dougall, son of John the
grizzled.
3 John dow M‘Patrick M‘Gregor of
Glenstrae, who died in 1526.
138
i This is manifestly a mistake for
Kenneth. The person meant is Kenneth
M‘Alpin, King of Scotland. In the ge-
nealogy given in p. 144 of the MS., this
Kennan is said to have been high King of
Scotland, to distinguish him from lesser
THE BOOK OF —
That in the blood of noble kings
Were the rights of true clan Gregor.
Now that I’m by thy green dwelling,
Listen, John, to thy family story :
A root of the very root we are,
Of famous kings of noble story.
Know that Patrick was thy father,
Malcom father was to Patrick.
Son of black John, not black his breast,
Him who feasts and chariots owned.
Another John was black John’s father,
Son of Gregor, son of John the lucky.
Three they were of liberal heart,
Three beneficent to the Church.
The father to that learned John,
Was Malcom, who his wealth ne’er hid,
Son of Duncan, surly and small,
Whose standard never took reproach.
His father was another Duncan,
Son of Gillelan of the ambush,
Noble he was, giving to friends,
Son of the famous Hugh from Urquhay.
Kennan! of the pointed spear,
Of Hugh from Urquhay was the father.
From Alpin,’ of stately mien and fierce,
Mighty king of weighty blows.
This is the fourth account that’s given
Of thee, who art the heir of Patrick.
Remember well thy back-bone line,
Down from Alpin, heir of Dougal.
Twenty and one, besides thyself,
chiefs, whom the Celts called kings. appear at all.
2 Alpin, King of the Scots, who flou-
rished in the beginning of the ninth
century. Several of the links in the Mac-
gregor genealogy must be wanting in
this poem. Even the name of Gregor,
from whom the clan is called, does not
7“ =. i a ig = —
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 139
John the black, not black in heart.
Thy genealogy leads us truly
To the prosperous Fergus M‘Ere.
Of thy race, which wastes not like froth,
Six generations wore the crown.
Forty kings there were and three,
Their blood and origin are known.
Three there were north and three to the south,!
After the time of Malcom Kenmore.
Ten of the race did wear the crown,
From the time of Malcom up to Alpin.
From Alpin upwards we do find
Fourteen kings till we reach Fergus.
Such is thy genealogy
To Fergus,” son of Erc the prosperous.
How many are there of thy race,
Must have been from thee to Fergus!
Noble the races mix with thy blood,
Such as now we cannot number.
The schools* would weary with our tale,
Numbering the kings from whom thouw’rt sprung.
The blood of Arthur* is in thy bosom,
Precious is that which fills thy veins ;
The blood of Cuan, the blood of Conn,”
Two wise men, glory of the race.
The blood of Grant in thy apple-red cheek,
The blood of Neil, the fierce and mighty. —
Fierce and gentle, at all times,
Is the story of the royal race.
1 Both sides of Loch Tay, the ancient
Macgregor territory, are still called
«‘Tuaruith” and ‘‘ Deasruith,” north and
south sides.
2 First king of the Dalriadic Scots.
%The schools of the bards. which
abounded in Scotland and Ireland at
this period, chiefly in Ireland, as may
be discovered from this collection, for
The history.
most of the composers were undoubt-
edly trained there. Poetry and genealogy
were the chief branches studied.
4 Arthur, King of the Strathclyde Bri-
tons, from whom the Campbells also are
said to be descended.
’ “Conn ceud catha,” Conn of the
hundred battles, King of Ireland.
140 THE BOOK. OF
The author of this is Mac Eachag."
Displeased am I with the south wind,
Which hinders the coming of John,
And that he is kept away out,
On his way from the north to M‘Leod.
Janet’s son, of whitest sails,
Well would he like to cross the sea;
But the south wind will not listen
To John, William’s son of swift steeds.
By night or by day as I sleep,
From the beach I see to the north,
The rushing bark of whitest sails,
The bark of him who stays defeat.
This is the fame which every man
Awards to M‘William from Clar Seith,?
An ardent, white-toothed, ready youth,
One who for aught he did ne’er mourned.
This is the eighth day without John,
Heir to M‘Leod of bluest eye ;
Like he is in mien and strength
To the great house of liberal heart.
Cheerful he is, does nought conceal,
Such is the fame of sharp-armed John.
In battle’s day he takes the lead,
Ever ready fame to win.
William’s son, my foster child,
Son to Janet, royal her race,
Did I but hear thou cam’st from the north,
All my gloom would disappear.
1 This name is very indistinct in the
MS., and cannot be given with cer-
tainty.
2 In 1480, William Macleod of Dun-
vegan was killed at the battle of the
Bloody Bay, and was succeeded by his
son Alexander, usually called ‘‘ Alastair
Crotach,” or hump-backed (Greg. High.
p. 74). The charters give no information
as to John, if a sonof this William Mac-
leod. But William’s father was John,
whose father was also in all likelihood a
William ; and this John, whose floreat
was early in the fifteenth century, might
be the person here meant.
3 The old name for Skye, and throws
some doubt on the derivation of the
name ‘‘ Sgiathanach,” usually accepted.
oe ee
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 141
The author of this is Mac Gillindak,* the man of songs.
Lords have precedence of chiefs,
It has been so from the beginning ;
It is commendable in young men,
That each should have knowledge of this.
The first who was lord of this land
Was Duncan beg (little) of the great soul,
He who as a legacy has left
Their bravery to clan Gregor.
Duncan, great by many spoils,
Was the blessed father of Malcom ;
Grandfather he was to princely John,
Him who never broke his pledge.
Gregor, excellent son of Duncan,
Was son to John, and was his heir ;
Famous man he was of the country,
From the bright shore of Loch Tullich,”
Swarthy John, so pure in speech,
Princely son of John M‘Gregor,
Hunter of the well-formed deer,
He like a king aye led the fight.
Malcom of unbending truth,
Know thou John, succeeds his father,
Southwards in fair Glenurchay,
Handsome he was amongst its valleys.
The first place ’mong their ancestors
Is given by the Saxon to clan Gregor,
Of whom were three chiefs loved the hunt,
And were most active in the fight.
In the days of Conn of hundred battles,
I heard of something like this,
1 We have no tradition respecting this 2 Elsewhere translated Loch Tummell.
poet. But he must have beena bard of ‘‘Tolve” is the word in the original.
the M‘Gregors’. The allusion to the Loch Tullich lies at the head of Glen-
Feinn will be understood by referring to urchay.
the war-song of Gaul.
142 THE BOOK OF
Of Finn of spears and sharp sword,
Cumhal’s son of famous deeds :
That of Erin the hunting and lordship
Belonged to Mac Cumhal of long locks,
Patrimony and lordship he had n’t
Over the lands of the race of Gaul.
Forest right they had all his life,
From Kerry north to Carn Valair.
But he possessed the old rights
Which previously were his.
From Hallowmas on to Beltin,
His Feinn had all the rights.
The hunting without molestation,
Was theirs in all the forests.
Many the tributes I cannot tell,
Belonged to Finn and his men.
Tribute in Erin possessed
By Mac Cumhail from the forests.
A noble’s forest right to the Feinn,
On the banks of every stream.
But Malcom’s large tributes
Did not belong to Mac Muirn ;?
Finn himself would never hunt
Without first asking leave.
The hunting of Scotland, without leave,
Belongs, with its spoil, to Malcom.
Constant in the hunt together
Are M‘Gregor and his fierce men ;
No oftener did the blood-red hounds
Enter the fort of clan Boisgne.
A fighting band of chieftains
Arose with him in battle’s day,
Men whose dress sparkled with gold,
Men who conquered in the fight.
The head of clans and of huntsmen
1 This is usually the name of Gaul, but here it is Finn, whose mother’s name
was Muirn.
aN
ae oe
a —_——- = rr =
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 143
Is the common fame of his race.
No trial of bravery or skill -
Will show weakness in M‘Gregor.
Many in his halls are found together,
Men who earried well-sharped swords,
Red gold glittered on their hilts,
The arms of the lion of Loch Awe.
Harmonious music among harps,
Men with dice-boxes in their hands,
Those who leave the game of tables,
Go and lead forth the hounds.
Mac Gregor of red-pointed palms,
Son of Dervail, the Saxon’s terror,
No hand like his amidst the fight,
He ’tis that ever victory won.
Liberal he ever was to bards,
Gifts which Mac Lamond* knows to earn.
Famous for managing his hounds,
A hand so ready with its gifts.
Mary, who stands by his side,
Of noble mind and handsome form,
Poets unite to give her praise,
Her with cheeks as berries red.
Lords.
The author of this is Finlay, the red-haired bard.”
The one demon of the Gael is dead,
A tale ’tis well to remember,
Fierce ravager of Church and cross,
The bald-head, heavy, worthless boar.
First of all from hell he came,
1 Probably the chief bard of the Mac-
Gregors.
? It has been suggested to the Editor
that this poet might have been the chief
of the Macnabs, the chief of this period
being Finlay Macnal) of Boquhan; and
we know that the Macnabs counted them-
selves of the same lineage with the Mac-
gregors. There is much in the composi-
tion given here, however, to indicate his
being an ecclesiastic.
144
THE BOOK OF
The tale’s an easy one to tell,
Armed with the devil’s venomous spear.
But he was surely, firmly bound,
Ere quitting the black house of hell,
To the same stronghold to return,
And leave the Star of Paradise.
Then, when came the black-skinned boar,
Many the devils in his train,
Each of them with horrid sound,
Their voices all in one loud strain.
Lest that he should nothing have,
It was apportioned by Mac Ruarie,!
As a covenant firmly fixed,
That in hell he’d live a dog.
Righteous and just is now the claim
Which Allan has against the devils.
Whatever share may be their own,
He, I think, should have much glory.
’T is time to cease now from that band, |
Of horrid sounds, and cruel heart.
Mac Ruarie from the ocean far,
Wealth thou’st got without an effort.
"Tis a report we can’t neglect,
For with Columba I must meet,
"Tis a report that fills the land,
Bald-head Allan, thou so faithless,
That thou hast, not thine only crime,
Ravaged I? and Relig® Oran.
Fiercely didst thou then destroy
Priests’ vestments and vessels for the mass.
1 We learn from Greg. High. pp. 65,
66, that Allan MacRuari, great-grandson
of Ranald, and chief of clan Ranald, was
one of the principal supporters of Angus,
the young Lord of the Isles, at the battle
of the Bloody Bay ; and that he also fol-
lowed Alexander of Lochalsh in his in-
vasion of Ross and Cromarty in 1491,
receiving a large share of the booty taken .
on the occasion. The poet describes
him as a sacrilegious marauder.
2 The ecclesiastical establishment at
Iona. The Reformers had probably less
to do with the destruction of the build-
ings in Iona than is generally thought.
3 The church of St. Oran in Iona.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 145
Thou art Inche Gall’s' great curse,
Her revenue and stronghold spoil’st ;
Thou art the man whose heart is worst
Of all who followed have thy chief,
Save one who stands at his left hand,
And he, Mac Ruarie, is thy brother,
Now thy fight we never hear,
But from the cross we hear thee cursed ;
The two are good who are about thee,
Black indeed they are in form.
At the time thou first mad’st war,
There was the Abbot’s horrid corpse,
Besides that other lawless raid
Against Finan” in Glengarry.
Thine own cruel, hateful deeds,
Have cursed thy bald-head body, Allan,
Just as crime will always do,
Revenge itself on who commits it.
The country side, with its protest,
Has stamped mad rage on Allan’s face,
Thine own country and thy friends,
Thou hast cruelly oppressed.
The last of thy goodness was lost
Between the Sheil and the Hourn,
"Tis no wonder thon didst keep
Far away, Allan, from the gallows.
The fame which men had given thee,
Extends to thy mother and thy sister.
Time it is to cease from satire,
Worthless, cruel son of Ruarie.
Though learning which helps not manners,
The sound of thy wailing is pleasant.
The one demon.
1 The Hebrides were known as ‘ Innse- 2 The church of Kilfinan, at the eas
gall,” or the islands of the strangers, pro- end of Loch Lochy, where is still the
bably since the rise of the kingdom of _ burying-place of the M‘Donells of Glen-
the Norsemen there. garry.
K
146 THE BOOK OF
THE son has been found like his father,’
Above all chiefs whom we have known,
His bearing, countenance, and mind,
And with me he dwells in Lewis.
The knowledge and mind of a chief,
With which he’ll make prosperous times.
I say of this young son we ve got,
That he is just another Roderick ;?
How like each other are their locks,
His father’s honour to his ringlets.
In battle, too, how like the praise
Of Torquil® and his famous father.
Of all that in Torquil’s time may come,
None of his friends shall suffer loss,
Great deeds and victories will be,
Such as Mac Calman* may relate.
Many his gifts which we might praise,
Torquil of the famous race ;
His are a hero’s strength and vigour,
Which he brings into the fight.
I say of him, and say in truth,
Since I have come so well to know him,
That never was there of his age
Better king who ruled in Lewis.
To him belonged the “ Cairge mhordha,”®
The richest jewel sailed the sea,
Given it was to Mac Vic Torquil,
With which to reach his people’s land.
! There is no author’s name given for
this spirited eulogy. The author was
probably a family bard of the Siol Tor-
cuil, or M‘Leods of Lewis.
* Roderick M‘Leod of Lewis was head
of the Siol Torcuil, or sons of Torquil,
in 1493. (Greg. High. p. 73.)
’ Torquil was second son of Roderick
M‘Leod of Lewis, the eldest having been
killed in the battle of the Bloody Bay.
Torquil was forfeited for harbouring
Donald dubh, son of Angus Og of Islay.
(Greg. High. p. 73.)
4 Probably the chief bard of the Siol
Torcuil.
5 “ Cairbhe” is a ship. This was pro.
bably the name of Torquil’s galley, al-
though spelled ‘ cairge” by the Dean.
ee
— ee
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 147
Mac Ruarie of cheerful music,
Had also the old cleaving sword,
Another jewel of sure olbieds
"T was given him by the King of Heaieh: ;
Since he so many presents had,
"T was needless for him to go and seek.
A shield he had cleft in the head,
Another jewel, sounding loud.
Without he had a noble herd
Of horses, with their trappings red ;
’T would nt suit a man like him
Not to have many swift-paced steeds.
His was the Du Seivlin,
M‘Leod’s, whom the bards would sing.
’T was hard for those to take that horse,
Whoe’er they were that might him seek.
Torquil had many youths
Who never trembled in battle,
Who for his race seized on all lands,
A race that aye the conflict loved.
Not braver of his age was Cuchullin,
Not hardier was he than Torquil,
Him of the ready, vigorous arm,
Who boldly breaks through any breach.
Beloved though Mac Vic Torquil is,
I can’t enough his beauty praise ;
He who is fair as he is the brave,
The key to every woman’s heart.
There is no son of king or chief
Of whose fame we’ve ever heard,
Though we ’ve had much to do with such,
That better are to us than Torquil.
Catherine,’ daughter of Mac Cailen,
Whose soft hand’s worthy of thy race,
1 Aineach,” a castle of the O’Kanes, 2 Catharine, daughter of Colin, 2d
within a few miles of Derry. The King Earl of Argyle, who married Torquil
of Aineach was chief of the O’Kanes. Macleod of the Lewis.
148 THE BOOK OF
Daughter of the Earl of Argyle,
Best of the women we have found.
To our isle we’ve got a woman,
Branch of a great and famous tree.
Daughter of Mac Cailen, young and gentle,
Whose locks in flowing ringlets fall.
The son.
The author of this is Gilliecalum Mac an ollave.'
The cause of my sorrow is come,
This year has not prospered with me ;
Foolish who cannot understand
How my grief has on me come ;
He who cannot understand
How my grief has come at once ;
Since these wounds my body got,
Such wounds I’ve got I mourn.
Pleasant now, though bitter too,
To mourn my sad distress ;
Sorrow fills my inmost heart,
Great was my love for him who’s gone ;
My heart is broken in twain,
No wonder it should be so;
My body has neither flesh nor blood,
Like a strengthless sufferer.
"Tis no wonder if I so grieve
For Margaret's? son who now is gone,
Remembering all his virtues,
And that chiefless we are left.
* It has been said in a previous note
that nothing is known of this poet. But
the present composition would indicate
his being one of the celebrated Beatons,
physicians and sennachies to the Lords
of the Isles. There is a charter of lands
in Islay, written in Gaelic by Fergus
Beaton in 1411. There were several of
the family whose name was Gilliecal-
lum. ‘Mac an Olaimh” means son of
the physician.
2 Margaret Livingstone, daughter of
Sir Alexander Livingstone, married to
Alexander Lord of the Isles.
a
ee
1 Angus Og, son of John last Lord of
the Isles, who fought the battle of the
THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Sore is the loss that he is gone,
Now that in the world we’re weak,
My grief now that thy days are ended,
Is the injury done by Angus.’
Though it be hard for me to part
With John’s? son of sweetest speech,
What is worst of all is this,
That ne’er to his place he’ll return.
Though I were from happiness far,
Pursued by my foes’ reproach,
Whatever good might me o’ertake,
From them never would I buy.
No wonder though heavy my heart,
As another lord’s seen in thy place,
That my whole man should be feeble,
Now that my king is dead.
Bitter is my pain since he left,
’T is easy the tale to relate,
"Tis hard my great sorrow to bear,
For the hero so famous who’s gone.
Great is my grief, and no wonder,
My mourning is true, sincere ;
That which sorely has me pained,
Is that in Albin we’ve no race.?
Now since that I must leave,
As others with reproach me load,
Since he is dead, I fain would go,
Away from the rough isles of Albin.
Yet ’tis sore for me to leave,
Although I feel that go I must,
Now that my beloved is dead,
My country I must leave behind.
149
3 Both John and Angus, sons of the
last Lord of the Isles, died before their
Bloody Bay against his father. father. He was forfeited, and died in a
2 John, son of Alexander Lord of the monastery in Paisley.
Isles.
150 THE BOOK OF |
Last of all, what grieves me is,
And truly the cause is enough,
That my beloved will not return,
To Islay on this side of Innis.’
And then, besides, it is so sad,
That this during his time should come,
Wringing hearts, and bodies rending,
Without revenge being in our power.
No men on earth could think
How ready he was foes to crush,
’"T was nothing both for us and thee
That champions should come against us.
But thy foes now have pierced thee,
Pity we had not with thee died,
Fair-handed, sweet-voiced son of Mary,
That we should have none to help.
He of the fairest countenance,
Our loss is not to follow him.
All the fame thou didst enjoy,
Was such as to thy race belonged,
They who had the long curled locks,
Whose company men loved much.
Now their hearts are sore depressed,
Every comfort poor without thee.
"T would be hard to find one like me,
And that from my lord I had,
The fellowship of priests and poets ;
These are plenty, but his hand absent.
When others to the banquet go,
Of the honour my share is this,
Ever to mourn in grief unchanged,
And of sorrow drink my fill.
"Tis sad for me I do not follow,
Much his absence do we grieve ;
1 This word is spelled “ Eithnis,” and decide which it means; probably ‘‘ Inis”
‘¢ Kinis,” and ‘‘ Enis.” It is translated in Ulster, where the Lords of the Isles —
Angus and Innis. But it is difficult to had extensive possessions.
ee - —_—
;
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 151
And then o’er that which makes me mourn,
Many the other men who weep.
Many the men before our time,
Who by sorrow were brought low ;
And what I’ve said does find its proof,
In a tale I’ve told before.
“T’ve heard a tale of old,” etc.
As follows in another place.
The fellow of this noble man,
Foster-son of Caoimh and Conull.
Blind Arthur Mac Gurkich.’
The assembled fleet at Castle Sween,
Pleasant tidings in Innisfail,
Of all the riders of the waves,
A finer ship no man eer owned.
Tall men did manage the ship,
Men, I think, to urge their way ;
No hand without a champion,
A slashing, vigorous, noble band.
With coats of black all were supplied,
In this bark, noble their race,
Bands with their brown, broad belts,
Danes and nobles were they all.
Chieftains with ivory and gold,
The crew on board this brown-sailed ship,
1 See above, p. 50.
® Who this blind poet was the Editor
cannot say. He can find no notice of him
anywhere, nor of the attack on Castle
Sween, which he describes. He was an
Irish bard, and composes in the Irish
dialect, making use, like the later Irish
poets, of language much more difficult to
understand than the older composers.
The Editor encountered more difficulty
in reading this piece, than in reading any
other inthe Dean’s MS. ‘‘Broin” is an
ancient word for a troop or band, and
“¢ cleath,” “‘comhlan,” “‘ nds,” are words
for a warrior ; but these words are en-
tirely obsolete; so ‘‘ glantair,” as the
comparison of “ glan,” is unknown in
the modern language. There is a mani-
fest attempt in the composition to use
obsolete words; but the Editor trusts
the meaning has been correctly ren-
dered.
152
THE BOOK OF
Each with a sheaf of warriors’ spears,
Shields on their hooks hung round the sides.
Wide-spread wings, speckled sails,
Bearing purple, all of gems ;
A long, handsome, gentle band,
Stood along the stout-made spars.
The blue sea at the swift ship’s prow,
The ship laden when the tide is full ;
Wattled baskets full of swords,
With shields all brought on board the bark.
Fair women, too, were in the ship,
Modest, their beds were placed on high,
Spotted cushions were provided,
Couches for the nobles’ wives.
Spotted coverings of fine linen,
This was the covering of the ship ;
Handsome, easy, as she rocked,
Purple linen round each mast.
No hardened hands, no tightened belt,
Nor roughened by their usual toil ;
Heroes were there, nor did they labour,
Bands of men of sweetest lips.
We heard not of so many nobles,
Of our isle from labour free ;
From Erin princely champions,
A troop with soft and ruddy hair.
Not ship of all did she count swifter,
None has there been nor will be,
No sigh, no sorrow, and no grief,
Nor is there any end of all.
No ship of ships she counted swift,
Full of princely men she is,
Scattering gold among the bards,
Wiile round the ship resounds the sea.
Many the men of sword and spear,
Many men quick in fight to mix ;
Down by the sea the fighting men,
ll i i iil
~~ eee ee
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 153
Above, the gentle women were.
Who is he provides this fleet,
At Castle Sween* of many hills?
A vigorous man who fears no blast,
His masts upraised, seeking his right.
John M‘Sween,’ sail thou the ship,
On the ocean’s fierce-topped back ;
Raise aloft the vessel’s masts,
Let thy bark now test the sea.
A leading wind then for them rose,
At Kyle Aca® as rose the tide ;
The speckled sails were roundly bellied,
As John ran swiftly for the land.
We entered the cheerful anchorage
In the bay of fruitful Knapdale ;*
The noble hero, lordly, shapely,
Comely, masted, swift, victorious,
He was then near Albin’s walls,
Helpful, welcoming his men.
Fair was then the youthful hero,
Abundant dew distilling round,
Favourable at Slieve Mun’s® streams,
To Mac Sween, him of Slieve Mis.
Speakers then come near to ask,
They deal as with him of sharpest eye.
Branches are laid beneath their knees,
To welcome those of valour great.
Their safety in each harbour nook
Suffers from the welcome they give John.
The men of Albin’s isles then come
1 We can find no trace in our history
of this attack by the Irish Mac Sweenys
on Castle Sween. The event cannot be of
a very ancient date, as the Mac Sweenys
are not a very ancient tribe in Ulster.
2 One of the Mac Sweens or Mac
Sweenys of Slieve Mis in Antrim.
3 This cannot be Kyle Akin ‘in Skye,
but is probably the ancient name of the
entrance to Loch Sween.
4 Knapdale, on the west coast of Ar-
gyle, south of Crinan.
5 Not known to the Editor, but is pro-
bably on the Knapdale side of Loch
Sween.
154
THE BOOK OF
With welcome from the narrow sea.
The men who sweetest are that sing,
Tenfold welcomes to him bring.
For a while there was a conflict,
Between them and our men of song ;
They come at last to know full well,
How fair the hill from whence came John.
Then did we fight at Castle Sween,
Just as a slender, furious hawk,
We set us down around that rock,
Every limb endowed with strength.
We pierced the bodies of our foes,
Just as a serpent fiercely wounds ;
Our thin-bladed, well-edged swords,
The foreigners’ bodies fiercely hacked.
We raised the cry of great Mac Sween,
Amidst the rolling of the sea ;
True it is that roll won't help,
Broad-backed, long although it be,
Their javelins have no power to pierce
The shields which our brown coats protect.
Rathlin of the sharp rocks, hears
The music of our ringing swords.
The thin-bladed sword, in Europe best,
A spear that swift obeys the wish,
What shield on earth can it resist ?
Fierce and fearless Erin’s sons.
John Mac Sween of stratagems,
With his thin, powerful, cutting sword,
He whose shield is spotted brown,
A blind man found him brave and wise.
The assembled fleet.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 155
Isabella Ni vic Cailein.}
Pity whose complaint is love,
Whate’er my reason thus to speak,
’T is hard to separate from its object,
Sad’s the condition I am in.
The love which I in secret gave, —
Of which I’d better never speak,
Unless I quickly get relief,
Withered and thin I’ll soon become.
The man whom I have so loved,
A love I never must confess ;
Has me put in lasting bonds,
For me a hundred times ’t is pity.
Pity.
The author of this is Duncan Og?
Seven arrows me assail,
Each of the arrows does me wound ;
Between me and my God they come,
Such of my body is the desire.
The first one of these is Pride,
Which wounds me under my belt,
1 This lady is elsewhere called ‘‘ Con-
tissa Ergadien,” the Countess of Argyle.
From the name given her here, she would
appear to be a daughter of the Earl of
Argyle, but she might as countess be
styled Ni vic Cailein, or the daughter
of Colin. We know that Sir Colin
Campbell of Glenurchy, was uncle and
tutor to Archibald, first Earl of Argyle,
and that having himself married Mar-
garet, eldest daughter of Stuart last Lord
of Lorn, he arranged a marriage between
his nephew and Isabella, the second
daughter, who became Countess of Ar-
gyle. She was most likely the authoress
of these lines, but we have no key to the
piece of domestic history to which they
refer.
2 There is a Duncan Og Albanach
among the writers of religious poetry in
the MS., who was most likely one of the
Mac Vurrichs, and the author of these
lines. Itis hardly necessary to say that
the poet refers in this composition to
the seven mortal sins of the Roman
Jatholiec Church.
156
THE BOOK OF
Often of a triumph it has me spoiled,
Which otherwise I might obtain.
The second arrow is Lust,
To whose power I’m such a slave;
Since this shaft trait’rously has me pierced,
I cannot live beyond its reach.
The third of these arrows is one
Which pierces ‘midst my very joints ;
Laziness, which suffers not
That I the right way e’er should chuse.
The fourth arrow is Covetousness,
O God, ’tis mournful where it wounds ;
Deliverance I can never have |
From this load of earth upon my back.
The fifth of these shafts is Gluttony,
Which has brought me much reproach ;
Besides that it pains my self-respect,
From it my body is not free.
The sixth sore arrow of them all
Is Anger, which me from men divides ;
May Mary stay them when they ’re shot,
Otherwise I have no help.
The seventh shaft does pierce the eye,
Envy, which grudges others’ good ;
A shaft which, however we may feel,
Is one which never does us good.
When these in his hand the enemy takes,
Many they are by’s arms destroyed ;
He never shoots but what he strikes,
And never strikes but what he kills.
Son of God, I’ll place a pater,
And the apostles’ creed as well,
Between me and these wounding arms,
With five psalms, or six or seven.
Seven.
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 157
The author is Murdoch Albanach.?
"T is time for me to go to the house of Paradise,
-. While this wound’s not easily borne,
Let me win this house, famous, faultless,
While others can tell of us nought else.
Confess thyself now to the priest,
Remember clearly all thy sins;
Carry not to the house of the spotless King,
Aught that may thee expose to charge.
Conceal not any of thy sins,
However hateful its evil to tell;
Confess what has been done in secret,
Lest thou expose thyself to wrath.
Make thy peace now with the clergy,
That thou may’st be safe as to thy state ;
Give up thy sin, deeply repent,
Lest its guilt be found in thee.
Woe to him forsook the Great King’s house,
For love of sin, sad is the deed ;
The sin a man commits in secret,
Much is the debt his sin incurs.
This is a sermon for Adam’s race,
I think I’ve nothing said that’s false,
Though men may death for a time avoid,
"Tis true they can’t at length escape.
1 Murdoch of Scotland was the first of
the great race of Macvurrichs, bards to
Macdonald of Clanranald. From all that
can be gathered regarding him, he was
an ecclesiastic, and, according to the
measure of light he possessed, a man of
earnest and sincere religion. It was not
known, until this volume of Dean M‘Gre-
gor’s was searched, that any remains of
his compositions existed; but here we
find several, all very much of the same
character. There is one long poem to
the cross, which appears to have been
modelled on the early Latin hymns.
Murdoch of Scotland, or Muireadhach
Albanach, would appear to have lived
between A.D. 1180 and 1220. Mr. Stand-
ish H. O’Grady, late President of the
Ossianie Society of Dublin, kindly sent
to the writer some years ago a poem,
still preserved in Ireland, containing a
dialogue between Muireadhach and ‘*‘ Ca-
thal Crédhearg,” the red-handed Cathal
O’Connor, King of Connaught, on the
158 THE BOOK OF
Thou who hast purchased Adam’s race,
Their blood, their body, and their heart,
The things we cherish may’st thou assail,
However we may them pursue.
"Tis time.
The above Murdoch.
That there should be in God’s Son’s heart
A sinner like me, how great the tale,
occasion of their embracing a religious life.
have been between A.D. 1184 and 1225,
serted here.
Cathal croibhdhearg agus Muireadhach
Albanach maraon iar n-dul anns na braith-
ribh dhoibh, cecinerunt :—
A Mhuireadhaigh, meil do sgian, go ’m bear-
ram inn do ’n Aird-righ,
Tabhram go milis ar mid, ’us ar dha trillis
do ’n Trianaid,
Bearraidh mise do Mhuire, an bhreath so is
breath or-chridhe,
Do Mhuire bearr am barr so, a dhuine seang,
sulmhal so.
Anamh leat, a mhaca ghlan, sgian tardo bharr
do’d bhearradh,
Fa mhionca rioghain bhinn bhog, a cireadh a
cinn thugad.
Gach ré n’uair do foilethi dhuinn, us do
Bhrian ard bhairr chladh-uir,
’Us do fhoilcinn uair eile ri stuaidh fhoilt-
fhinn Bhoroimhe.
Do ghrinn comh-shnamh ’us Ua Chais, air
linntibh fuara Forghais,
Air teacht air tir leis o’n linn, do ghrinn ’us
Ua Chais coimhshling,
An dha sgian so leath air leath, do rad dhuinn
Dunchadh Cairbreach,
Nior b’fhearr dha sgian de sginibh; bearr gu
min a Mhuireadhaich.
Meil do chlaidheamh, a Chathail, chosnas am
Banbha braonsgathaidh,
Ni chuala gun fhachuin d’fhearg, a Chathail
chuanna, chrodheirg,
Dion air fhuachd ’s air ainteas inn, a inghin
uasail Ioachaim,
Dean ar coimhead ’s an tir theith, a ro gheag
mhin, a Mhuire.
A Mhuireadhaich.
Cathal’s “ floruit” is known to
As the lines are curious, they are in-
TRANSLATION.
Cathal Crodhearg and Murdoch of Scotland,
on entering among the brethren, sung :—
Murdoch, whet thy knife, that we may shave
our crowns to the Great King,
Let us sweetly give our vow, and the hair of
both our heads to the Trinity.
I will shave mine to Mary, this is the doing
of a true heart, F
To Mary shave thou these locks, well-formed,
soft-eyed man.
Seldom hast thou had, handsome man, a knife
on thy hair to shave it,
Oftener has a sweet, soft queen, comb’d her
hair beside thee.
Whenever it was that we did bathe, with
Brian of the well-curled locks,
And once on a time that I did bathe, at the
wall of the fair-haired Boroimhe,
I strove in swimming with Ua Chais, on the
cold waters of the Fergus.
When he came ashore from the stream, Ua
Chais and I strove in a race,
These two knives, one to each, were given us
by Duncan Cairbreach,
No knives of knives were better, shave gently
then, Murdoch.
Whet your sword, Cathal, which wins the
fertile Banva,
Ne’er was thy wrath heard without fighting,
brave, red-handed Cathal,
Preserve our shaved heads from cold and from
heat, gentle daughter of Joachim,
Preserve us in the land of heat, softest branch, .
Mary.
Murdoch.
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——— =
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. - 159
And that there should to me be given, ©
On my lips to have the cross of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ, sanctify as thou art wont,
My two feet, and my two hands,
_ Sanctify me of thy good will,
Even my blood, and flesh, and bones.
I never cease committing sin,
Because that my body loves it well ;
May consecration come from afar,
Upon my head and on my heart.
Glorious great One, save thou me
From every grief which me has seized,
Ere I’m laid beneath the turf,
May my way be plain and smooth.
That.
The author of this is Murdoch Albanach.
Thou Trinity, do thou me teach,
Thou Lord, whose praise all men must sing,
Thou Trinity, come on my tongue,
Bless it in thy judgment great.
Holy Trinity in the heavens,
Strengthen thou my spiritual arms ;
Come to, and dwell in my heart,
Thou head of all thy holy race.
Guide thou my hand, and teach my heart,
Teach my eye, thou King of truth ;
Come to my voice, move on my tongue,
Quicken my ear, and bless my lips.
This is the mouth which ye have torn,
Which checks men’s conflicts, nought forgets ;
This is the tongue that ne’er spared speech,
Bless it, Beloved of my soul.
From thee, O Trinity, alas! O Trinity,
160
THE BOOK OF >
Let healing come, speak thou to me ;
There is, as in the white-wood oak,
In me a sinful, corrupt heart.
Though sinful, I never man destroyed,
Ne’er did I steal, O Son of God ;
Never did my hand slay man,
For Mary’s love, answer thou me.
"Tis true, I’ve made lying refuges,
Deceived by lies of men of fame,
Building on others’ lie my lie,
O King, shall I in this succeed ?
Thou who in me prayer begett’st,
’*T is no sin to follow thee ;
"T was neither righteous men nor great,
But God a refuge found for me.
No man in this world can me teach,
But only thou, O Lord, alone,
None keepeth truth but heaven’s King,
To His wisdom none is like,
If I am in the way of truth,
My tonsure vow requires it all ;
If, O Trinity, on a lie I rest,
Lead me to the way of truth.
Earth or clay shall not me cover,
But waves of judgment, little the wrath,
Nothing else shall be to hide me,
But, O King, burning red-flamed fire.
Trinity, thou mad’st this world,
Both of fire and of earth ;
Of earth and fire all men are made,
So at the end it will be found,
.— *
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 161
GENEALOGY OF THE MACGREGORS.
John son of Patrick, son of Malcom, son of John the black,
son of John, son of Gregor, son of John, son of Malcom, son of
Duncan the little, son of Duncan from Srulee, son of Gilelan,
son of Hugh of Urchy, son of Kenneth, son of Alpin; and this
Kenneth was head king of Scotland, in truth, at that time ; and
this John is the eleventh man from Kenneth, of whom I spoke.
—And Duncan the servitor, son of Dougal, son of John the
grizzled, wrote this from the books of the genealogists of the
kings ; and it was done in the year of our Lord One thousand
five hundred and twelve.
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THE ORIGINAL GAELIC
OF
THE BOOK OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE
WITH A
MODERN VERSION.
THE ORIGINAL GAELIC.
A houdir Ossan M‘Finna.
Di chonna mee tylych finn, is ner vai tylych teme trea,
Aggum di chonna mee scheve, di vontir in ir in nea
Di chonna mee tylych art, far lar vac donna binni
Far is farre ne agga mi. Di chonna mee tylych finn
Dane vaga mir a chonna mee, chonna m‘ynlain fa ynna
Owcht is mark na vagga ea. Di chonnek mai tylych finn
Goym ree ni iyg noch gi olk, za vil er mo chinni.
Sin serra marreine o faynna, dyth chonna ma tylych finn.
Di chonna mee tylych.
A. houdir so Ossin.
Is fadda noch ni nelli fiym, is fadda liym in nycheith ryr
In lay dew gay fadda zoyth, di bi lor fadda in lay de
Fadda lwmmi gych lay za dik, ne mir sen di cleachta dom
Gin deowe gin danyth cath, gin wea feylim class dlweth
Gin nenith gin choill gin chrut, gin fronith crewi gin zneiwe
gray
Gin deillych ollom zor, wea gin neilli, gin oill fley
Gin chin er swrri na er selgi, in da cherd rey in royth me
Gin dwlli in glaow no in gath, oichane ach is derrich dow
Gin wraith er ellit no er feyg, ne hawle sin bi wane lom
Gin loeg er chonvert no er chon, is fadda noch na nelli fiym
Gin errith gaske gnaath, gin nimert mir abaill linni
Gin snaw zar leithre er loch, is fadda, etc.
Din teill mir a ta mee, is trowig er bea mir a ta sinn
Oe eee ae
Sl Oe ee
———— eee
MODERN VERSION.
An t-ughdair Ossian mac Fhinn.
Do chunnaic mi teaghlach Fhinn, ’us nior bu teaghlach tioma tréabh,
Agam do chunnaic mi sabh, de mhuinntir an fhir an dé.
Do chunnaic mi teaghlach Airt, fear le’r mhac donna binn,
Fear is fearr ni faca mi. Do chunnaic mi teaghlach Fhinn.
Do ni fhac mar a chunnaic mi, chunnaic mi mac an Luinn fa Fhinn.
Och ! is mairg na faca e. Do chunnaic mi teaghlach Fhinn.
Do’m ré ni ioghnadh gach ole, dha bheil air mo cheann.
Sinn saora marruinn o phéin. Do chunnaic mi teaghlach Fhinn.
Do chunnaic mi teaghlach.
Is e ughdair so Ossian.
Is fad an nochd na neula faim, is fada leam an oidhche an raoir,
An la an diugh ge fada dhomh, do bu leor fada ’n la an dé,
Fada leam gach la a thig, ni mar sin bu chleachdadh leam
Gun deabhtha gun deanamh catha, gun bhi foghlum cleas dlu.
Gun nigheanaibh, gun chedl, gun chruit, gun phronnadh cnaimh gun
ghniomh gré,
Gun tuilleadh fhoghluim gheire, bhi gun fheill, gun 01 fleidh,
Gun chion air suiridh, no air sealg, an da cheard ri an robh mi,
Gun dol an gled no an cath, ochan! ach is deurach domh,
Gun bhreith air eilid no air fiadh, ni h’amhuil sin bu mhiann Jeam,
Gun luaidh air chonbheart no air chon, is fad an nochd na neula faim,
Gun eiridh gaisge ghnathaich, gun imirt mar a D’dill leinn,
Gun snamh d’ar laochruidh air loch, is fad an nochd na neula faim,
Do ’n t-saoghal mar a ta mi, is truagh ar bith mar a tha sinn,
4 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
Menir a tarruing clach, is fadda, ete.
Derri ni feyni far noiss, is mee Ossin mor m‘finni,
Gesticht re gowow clokki, is fadda, ete.
Faye a phatrik zoein o zea, fiss in nini in bea sinni
Gith serrir marrien roith locht, is fadda, ete.
Ts fadda.
Auctor hujus Ossin.
La zay deacha finn mo rayth, di helg er sleyve ny ban finn
Tri meillith wathyon ny wayn, ne zeaath skaow vass in ginn
Ossin is vinni lwmmi di zloyr, bannicht foiss er anmyn finn
Agus innis gay wayd feyg, hwtti er sleyve ny ban finn.
Ga mor lewe crathamar slee, or ni deatha voylte in loy
Di hutti er sleyve ny ban finn, di zeyith lay fin nyth wlygh
Innis doyf royth gith skayle, bannith er a waill gin zoyth
A bayig eaddith no ermmi, a doll leive a helg gi lay
Di weith eaddith agus ermmi, a doll leine a helg mir senni
Ni weith feanee zeiwe ym zoe, gin leynith roylle is men
Gin chottone schee schave, gin lurych sparri zeyr zlynn
Gin chenvart clooth di chorrith, s zay ley in norn gi fer
Gin skay neynith warryth boye, gin lanni chroye eskoltith
kenn
A nearryth in doythin fayn scheath, ne royth nath bi zer no finn
Is schea a barri enicht is awge, ne zeath lav vassa chinn
Doll in dastill a choyn zill, gi aggin er farri mir finn
Cath eggr a choymir schear, a helg er sleyve ni ban finn
A phatrik ayd chinni ni glar, di balin grann vass ir ginni
Noyr a hwyth finni r gonni da binni seirri agus schear
Gow gyir 0 chnok gow cnok, a meskeith hork is feaygh
Di weith finn agus brann, nane swe selli er in tleywe
Gyth fer rewe in nayd helg, no ger eirryth kolg in feark
Di leggymir tre m cowe, a barri lowe syth way gi garga
Warwe gith cowe zewe da eyg selli fa neyd yn eyll na hard
Di hwtti vi meill feyg bar er a zlann di weith fane tleyve
A haggus eyg agus arbe ne zarne selgi mir sen reywe
Gir bee deirrith ir selgi hear, a clarre oyd ni glar is ni glok
Deich kayd kow fa lawre oyr hutti fa leon x ¢ tork
Di huttidir lyne ni twrk, a roynith ni helg er in lerga
Mir a weyg r lanith is r lawe di verdis air er in telga
A phatrik ni baichill fear, a wakka tow hear no horri
Selga in lay raid lin a waynew fin bi woyth no sen
.
»
,
6 a ers le hs te a
—
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 5
"Nam sheanair a tarruing chlach, is fad an nochd na neula faim,
Deireadh na Feinn far nis, is mi Ossian mdr mac Fhinn,
_ Ag eisdeachd ri guthaibh chlog, Is fad an nochd na neula faim.
Faigh a Phadruig dhuinn o Dhia, fios an inbhe am bi sinn,
Gua saorar marrainn roimh lochd, is fad an nochd na neula faim.
Ts fad.
Ts e ughdair so Ossian.
La dhe ’n deachaidh Fionn mo ghriidh, do shealg air Sliabh nam ban fionn,
Tri mile de mhaithibh na Feinn, na deagh sgiathan os an cionn.
Ossian is binn leam do ghlvir, beannachd fds air anam Fhinn,
Agus innis cia meud fiadh, thuit air Sliabh nam ban fionn.
Cia mdr luath chratham ar sleidh, oir ni deachaidh uait a luaidh
Do thuit air Sliabh nam ban fionn, do theidh le Fionn nam fleadh.
Innis doibh romhad gach sgeul, beannachd air a bheul gun ghd.
Am bitheadh éideadh no airm, a dol leibh a shealg gach 10 ?
Do bhitheadh éideadh agus airm, ’dol leinn a shealg mar sin,
Ni bhitheadh Fian dhiubh a ’m ghuth, gun léine sroil is min,
Gun chotan ’us i seimh, gun luireach ’us barr geur glan,
Gun cheannbheart cloch de chorr, ’s a dha shleagh ’an dorn gach fir,
Gun sgiath nimhneach bheireadh buaidh, gun lann chruaidh a sgoltadh
cheann,
An iarraidh an domhain fa seach, ni robh neach bu gheir no Fionn,
Is e a b’fhearr fhineadh ’us agh, ni dheachaidh lamh os a chionn,
Dol an tasdail a choin ghil, cia againn fear bharr mar Fionn 4
Gu h- eagar chaidhmir siar, a shealg air Sliabh nam ban fionn.
A Phadruig oide chinn na cleir, do b’aluinn grian os ar cionn,
An uair a shuidh Fionn m’ar coinnimh, do binn sear agus siar,
Guth gadhar o chnoe gu enoc, a mosgladh thore agus rhiadh, -
Do bhi Fionn agus Bran, ’nan suidh seal air an t-sliabh,
Gach fear dhiubh ’an eud seilg, no gur eireadh colg am feirg,
Do leigeamar tri mile ci, a b’fhearr ltth ’s a bha garg.
Mharbh gach cu dhiubh sin da fhiadh, seal fa’n deachaidh iall ‘an sald
Do thuit se mile feidh barr, air a ghleann do bhi fo ’n t-sliabh.
Na th’ agaibhse fhiadh agus carb, ni dheanadh sealg mar sin riamh.
Gur b ’e deireadh ar sealg shear, a chleirich oide nan cleir ’s nan clog,
Deich ceud cu fo shlabhraidh dir, thuit fo ledn deich ceud tore,
Do thuit leinn na tuire, a rinn na h-uile air an leirg.
Mar bhitheadh ar lann ’us ar lamh, do bheirdeas ar air an t-seilg.
A Phadruig nam bachull fior, am faca tu shear no shoir,
Sealg an la ri d’ linn, o Fhianaibh Fhinn bu mho na sin
6 THE BOOK OF [ANCTENT.
Ach sen selga a roinith finn v‘alpin ni minni blayth
Gar ni goyllane ansi cheille, gi bi winni laym ane lay
Lay za deach.
Actor hujus Ossin.
Lay za deach say zai keill, Patr* zrynn ni bachal .. .
Rug e in tossin less er wurn, gow was aa gi... sl...
Is di bail awzail uoid, Ossan nan roak nach teym
Coo in tein neaach gin a loyith, smow chur groym er feanow fynn
A cleryth ni bachill brek, bi wor ym beacht zut reid lin
A churri a wrayr a znaath, ne wai zaw er fanaw fynn
Onyth harly zut gin noine, a Ossin gin doll nané dey
Bee say er chathris gi braa, how gathris di znaa nyn fane
Kegit blyin di bein boa, a geyskych reid choel syth heill
Ne hynossit zut gow maik, a luit eacht a rin feanow fynn
Fa ranew in doyn traane, wa agginn fene er gyth .. .
Keiss ga hokwail gow fane fin, na noe in tegwail .. .
- Ne reive ansyth si doythin vor, nach da bi chor bea na. . .
Ne reive in nalwe nin lann brek, a darveith . . .
Da nynnosit zeive in ness, a Ossin nin gress noch mein.
Coo yn tein neach bi zar lave, wa sreyith . . .
Mor in feine, a churris orm, a cleyrrith oyd nythf.. .
Ni hynossit gow lay looin, ne way loye . . .
- Onyth harlyth how nane dey, a Ossin da dane... .
Coo nyth leich bar lat mait skay, ri dol din ane ansyth gath
Oskir is keilt is gowle, is m‘lowith nyn lanni maath
Fa hymchill v‘kowle ayl boyin di bi raa si chath
Farzone fullych m‘ynreith is kerrill ri sneive zaath
Dermin daath alin gyn nawle, re hor skaath chin bi waath
Collyth m‘cheilt er wley mynni, kyrkeith curri nyn genk maath
Agus rynnith m‘ynreith, myrychin nar wenyth in gaath
Felane foltinn bi wakith ind, agus garryth in deim narv
Derring m‘doyrin gyn none aygh m‘garryth bi waath law
Me fene is g. m‘smail is dyryth darrith m‘ronane
Tre mek nyth kerd gyn chalk, re oyr hentyth di barm yark
Mir a zana ma zut goo, a cleryth wor furt nyth mynni
Cha noch banit dossyth din nane ach gith fer fane a braath a zille
Soo id chaithir is gawe di fenni is wayassi in narm gi ler
Gi ein neach ga bi zar laiwe, hanyth o chaaith guss in nane
Hanyth reith lochlin er ler, daor done skaa by wor gnaa
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. e te 7
Ach sin sealg a rinn Fionn, mhie Alpainn nam mionn blath,
Thar na gdlan anns a chill, gum bu bhinue leams’ an la.
La dh’ an deachaidh,
Is e Ughdair so Ossian.
La de ’n deachaidh se do ’n chill, Padruig grinn a bhachuill . . .
Rug e an t-Ossian leis air mhuirn, gu bhithease . . .
"Us do b’aill leam fhaghail uait, Ossian nan ruaig nach tioma, [Fhinn?
Co an t-aon neach gun a luaidh, ’s mo chuir de ghruaim air Fiannaibh
A chléirich a bhachuill bhric, bu mhdr am beachd dhuit ri d’ linn,
A chur ann am briathraibh gnathaichte, na bha a dh’agh air Fiannaibh
O na tharladh dhuit gun on, Ossian gun dol ’n an deidh, | Fhinn.
Bith-sa air chaithris gu brath, thu’g aithris mu ghnath nam Feinn.
Caogad bliadhna na ’m bithinn beo, ag éisdeachd ri d’ chedl ’s a chill,
Ni h innisinn dhuit gu m’ eug, a liuthad euchd ’rinn Fianna Fhinn.
Fearainne an domhain trein, bha againn féin air gach . . .
Cis ’g a thogail gu Feinn Fhinn, air neo an teugbhail . . .
Ni robh anns an domhan mhor, neach da ’m bu chdir
Ni robh ann an Almha nan lann breac, a gharbh . . .
Da ’n innisid dhoibh a nis, Ossian nan greas nach . . .
Co an t-aon neach bu gheire lamh, bha. . .
Mor a phéin a chuireas orm, a chiéirich oide . . .
Ni h-innisinn gu la luain, na bha a luaidh.. .
O na tharladh thu ’n an déidh, Ossian da deanadh .. .
Co na laoich b’ fhearr leat mu ’d sgéith, ri dol do *n Fheinn anns a chath ?
Osgar ’us Caoilt ’us Gall, us Mac Lughaidh nan Jann maith,
Fa thimchioll Mhic Cumhail aille, buidheann do bu réidh ’s a chath,
Fearghon fuileach mac an righ, ’us Caruill r’a ’s nimhe gath,
Diarman dathta aluinn gun umhal, do fhuair sgiath chinn bu mhaith,
Collaidh mac Chaoilt air fleadh mine, Corca curaidh nan geang maith,
Agus Roinn mac an righ, muirichinn nach min ’an cath, .
Faolan folt-fhionn bu mhac Fhinn, agus Garaidh an dion namh,
Dearuinn mac Dobharain gun on, Aodh mac Garaidh bu mhaith lamh,
Mi fein ’us Garaidh mac Smail, ’us Daoire darrach mac Ronain,
Tri mic a Cheaird gun cheilg, ri ’r thionndadh do ’m b’arm dhearg.
Mar a dheanadh mi dhuit guth, a chléirich mhodr Phuirt na mionna,
Cha b’ aithne dhomhsa de ’n Fheinn, ach gach fear dhiu bh’ a breth a gheill
Suidh ’n ad chaithir ’us gabh do pheann, ’us gu faigheas an arm gu léir.
Gach aon neach do ’m bu gheir lmh, thainig o chathaibh gus an Fheinn.
Thainig righ Lochlainn air lear, Daire donn sgiath bu mhor gné,
8 : THE BOOK OF [ ANCIENT.
Di wraa keiss errin er koyne, fane deyryth r sloyg gyth ler
Hanyth ith chawr zar wane, twoa dey hug ass gi knok
Carbryth loaechr bi waath lawe, iiij chayth slane gow port
Vii caythin hanik in nane huggar in near o lea cuynni
Ne . .. sa nyth deacha rir gerrow, 00 roe zein slane o zaryth dwnni
Is sai waa na chawlyth long, daryth deown syth hylych fene
xxx caath feit di loyith nath dea woyin dar der feine
Waa ga weeow er in trae, cown krer bi lawe gin locht
Ruk sloyg nyn hynea zeive, is di hog ea kenni reith er knok
Cown m‘reith wllith nin eacht, agus dollir nan greath trom
Di zagamir er in traa er ym bayth fo zar tonni
iij mec doytith ga bi rane, yth toythit o lar yn long
Fer tenni is kerkil a flwk, a zaik sinni a gorp gi lommi
Oor armyth neyn reith grekga, agus forni nyn beyme trome
Di zagamir fa zaar byve, is ner aig synn in vyve fa bron
iiij mec reith lochlin bi.a chasgr sein de neive arm
Ne tre balwe one vorrin or, neyn deacha sayd voyn ach marg
Re in doythin ga bi wor, Dare done skayth bi zall gnaa
Di zaig sinn sin a chorp er trae, er ni lot fo wail nyn nane
Di loyew in doythin trane neyn deacha woyn fene sin nar
~ Ach reith ni franki mir hea an lyn say brea er in nail
Er eggill in oskir wll, cha di leggi ay voyeni er lar
Gow glen baltan mir ta hest, is and di zawe ay foss is tawe
Er traye fintrath ni goyn fer in churri ni sloye in tar
Er reow in doythin trane, di zoil sein fene er sar
Di bimmi o reith r narm, leich a waa marve er in Jar
- Di bimmi clawe agus skayth na blaya har er in traye
Er traye fintraithin nyn port, di bimmi ann corp ferrane
Di bimmi leich fa zar byve, is di bimmi ann fyve ar
Phatrik V’Alpin ail, neyn danith zar wane wo rae
Ach da cath eggr gyn locht is ny roif in gorp slane
Cath di clanni bisskyni zeive, boein noch char vennyth in law
Cath di clanni mornyth nyn grath is in darne lay clannow smail
Er fr lawsyth ath halgin trane, say zaik sin dar wane sin nar
Coyk cathin eggr zar sloyig a legga woyn er in tra
xxxth ca feizit gin rath, deechcayd feithyit gith cath zeive
Zarremay loyg zar zoynn, nach dranik er toynn a reiss
A halgin da wreggrin clar, o baillait deym pen gych skail
Gow dukgai caa zawryth nyth glann, noch cha danik ken r lay
Di rynni sin a gawli long, agus argit trome in reith
In noor sin eydda sin neycht, in neirrin er gi lea dee
A Phatrik matha ny mynn an id keilli a waym bass
Cur feyn talla her mo knees oss aggit hay fiss mo skail
i ha see oe
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE, 9
Do bhreith cls Eirinn air Chonn, fa ’n deurach ar sluagh gu Iéir.
Thainig de chobhar do ’r Feinn, ‘sluagh do thug as gach cnoc,
Cairbar leobhar bu mhaith lamh, ceithir cathan slan gu port,
Seachd cathan thainig de ’n Fhéinn, thugar tri an ear o leth Chuinn,
Ni mor nach deachaidh ghearradh na robh dhinn slan o Dhaire donn. -
Is e bha ’n a chabhlach long, Daire donn ’s a theaghlach féin,
Deich cath fichead de shluagh, nach deachaidh uainn do ’n tire féin,
Bha ga ’m feitheamh air an traigh, Conn crithear bu lamh gun lochd,
Rug sluagh na h-Innia dhoibh, ’us do thog e ceann righ air cnoc,
Conn mac righ Ullaidh nan euchd, agus Dollar nan gniomh trdm,
Do dh’ fhagamair air an triigh, air am bathadh fo ghair tonn.
Tri mic Dubhtaich dha ’m bu threun, a teachd o lar an long,
Feartan is Cearcul a phluic, do dh’ fhag sinn an cuirp gu lom.
Omhar armaicht nighean righ Greige, agus Forna nam beuman trdm,
Do dh’ fhagamar fo ghiire baoibh, is nior fhag sin an aoibh fa bron, ©
Ceithir mic righ Lochlainn, a chosgair sinn de nimh arm,
Na tri Balaidh o’n Bhorruinn shoir, ni ’n deachaidh iad uainn ach mairg,
Righ an Domhain ge bu mhdr, Daire donn sgiath bu gheal gné,
Do dh’ fhidg sinn a chorp air trdigh, air a lot fo bhuille na Feinn,
De shluaghaibh an domhain tréin, ni ’n deachaidh uainn féin ’s an dir
Ach righ na Fraince mar e, ainlinn ’s e breith air an dil ;
Air eagal an Osgair oill, cha do leig e a bhuinn air lar,
Gu Gleannabaltan mar tha *theisd, is ann do ghabh e fois ’us tamh.
Air triigh Fionntraigh a chuain, far na chuir na sloigh an t-dir,
Air righribh an domhain tréin, do dh’ 6 sinn féin ar sar,
Do b’ iomadh o fhraoich ar n’ arm, laoich a bha marbh air an lar, ©
Do b’ iomadh claidheamh ’us sgiath, ’n am bloighibh shear air an triigh,
Air traigh Fionntraigh nam port, do b’ iomadh ann corp fhearan,
Do b’ iomadh laoich fo ghaire baoibh, ’us do b’ iomadh ann faoibh dir,
A Phadruig mhic Alpain dil, ni ’n d’ thainig de ’r Feinn o thraigh,
Ach da chath eagar gun lochd, agus ni *n robh an corp slan.
Cath de chlannaibh Baoisgne dhiubh, buidheann noch char mhean an lamh,
Cath de chlannaibh Moirne nan grath, agus an darna le clannaibh Smiil.
Air bhur lamhsa a thailginn thréine, ’s e dh’ fhag sinn de ’r Féinn’s an dir,
Coig cathan eagar de ’r sluagh, a leigeadh uainn air an tridigh,
Deich cath fichead gun rath, deich ceud fichead gach cath dhiubh,
De dl’ direimh sluaigh Dhaire dhuinn, nach d’ rainig air tonn a ris.
A thailginn da freagrann cléir, o b’ aill leat uam féin gach sgeul,
Gu tugadh cath Ghabhra nan gleann, noch cha tainig ceann ar la.
Do rinneadh sinn a gabhail long, agus airgiod trom an righ,
An t-0r, ’s an eideadh, ’s an ni, ’an Eirinn air gach leth di.
A Phadruig mhaith nam mionna, ann ad chill am faigheam bas !
Cuir féin talamh air mo chneas, o ’s agad tha fios mo sgeul.
10 THE BOOK OF [ ANCIENT.
Ossin o taa tow skeith, dane a noss di heith gou bass
Gau turnigin is ear tlws, is gew Dea mowch gi lay
Ar sleyve Seyane la luain, agus ni sloye er a lar
Meichall is mur is mac Dey, dy hoyrt fene er an law
In da espil deyk si wlay gi clerych may is gi faye
Edrwme agis effrin or di wi gi croy er my lay. _
. Lay.
Auctor hujus Osseane m‘fynn.
Anvine in nocht nart mo lawe ne ell mi coozein er laar
Is nee enyth zof waa bronych ym zebil trog sennorych
Troyg gi neith cheddeyth doif seach gi dwn er twne talwon
Re tarring clach a hallinn gow relling hulchin talzing
It ta wrskal aggwme zut er ir zi wuntir phatrik
Estith re astenyth inn schal beg er tocht zin talgin
Brwin di rinnyth in swnn er sleywe quoalgein moelyth lwmm
Di churri er feanow phail ywir in ta hunwail
Da drane din wrwin wroyth chur finn er clan morn
Agus in trane elli zeit ormss is er clannow biskneith
Hugas fregryth nar choyr er m‘cowle v‘tranewoyr
Hurd nach bein fada fa smacht is nach danyth doo geilleicht
Di weit Finn fada na host in leich nac burras a cosga
Fer gin noyin gin eggill nor a quayl in doo regryth
Is sea coyrra di raa rwm flath eanyth ny vane finn
Bea tou schell a tarring clooch ma in deyt how in weit wronyth
Di zeyrris is sin ra erg soss 0 vak cowle a rinzerga
Sea lenn me din nane awnyth cathrow chath croychalm
Fastir miss ag in nane verrir royssa my wraa feyn
In lweht a wa gim heit ann is da in deit id tame gi anvin
Faa meith in coythrlyth croo din nane in gath crwnvonyth
Anvin
Ymyth nac gin anyth ann da in tallyth tame gyth anvin
anvin
Anvin in nocht cley mo curp creddwm di wraer padrik
Eddir lawe is chass is chenn, it tame ullith gi anvin anvin
Anvin.
A houdir so Ossin.
In soo chonnich maa in nayne, di chonnich ma caynan is goole
Finni is oskir mi vacki rynith is art is dermit doone
LO FT Mages Ve
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. II
Ossiain, o tha tu sgith, dean a nis do shith gu bas,
Gabh d’ drnuighean ’us iarr tlus, ’us guidh Dia moch gach la,
Air sliabh Sion la luain, agus na sluaigh air an lar,
Michal ’us Muire ’us mac Dhé’ do thoirt féin air an laimh. —
An da abstol deug ’s a bhlaith, gach cleireach maith ’s gach faidh,
Edaram agus Ifrionn, oir do bhi gu cruaidh air mo la.
La.
Is e Ughdair so Ossian mac Fhinn.
Anmhunn an nochd neart mo laimh, ni bheil mo choimhghin er Jar,
Is ni ioghnadh dhomh bhi brénach, ’am ghiobul truagh seanarach,
Truagh gach ni cheadaich domh, seach gach duine air tuinn talmhainn,
Bhi tarruing chlach a shallain, gu relig thulaich an tailghin,
Tha ursgeul agam dhuit, air ar dheadh mhuinntir, Phadruig,
Eisd ri faistneachd Fhinn, seal beag air teachd do ’n tailginn.
Brughainn do rinn an sonn, air sliabh Chuailgne maola lom,
Do chuir air Fianaibh Fail, aobhair ann do thionail.
Da thrian de ’n bhrughainn bhreagh, chuir Fionn air Clanna Moirn,
Agus an trian eile dheth ormsa, agus air clannaibh Baoisgne.
Thugas freagradh nar choir, air mac Cumhail mhic Threunmhoir ;
Thubhairt nach bithinn fad fo a smachd, ’s nach deanainn da géilleadh.
Do bha Fionn fada ’n a thosd an Jaoch, nach b’ fhurasd a chosgadh,
Fear gun on gun eagal, ’n uair a chual an dubh-fhreagradh,
Is e an cOmhradh do radh rium, flath ainbhtheach na Feinn, Fionn,
Bithidh tu seal a tarruing chlach, ma ’n d’ theid thu ’na bhith bhrdnach,
Do dh’ eireas sin ri feirg suas, o mhac Cumhail rinn-dhearg,
Is e lean mi de ’n Fheinn ainbhtheach, an ceathramh cath cruaidh-chalm,
Fasdair mise aig an Fheinn, bheirear roimhse mo bhreth féin, [mhunn,
An luchd a bha ga ’m sheideadh, ann is do ’n teid, A ta ’m gu h-an-
Fa mi an comhairleach crodha, do ’n Fheinn an cath cruinnbheum.
Anmhunn,
Tomadh neach gun aithne ann, de’ an talamh ta ’m gu h-anmhunn,
anmhunn,
Anmhunn an nochd cliabh mo chuirp, creideam do bhriathra Phadruig,
Eadar JAmh ’us chos ’us cheann, a ta ’m uile gu h-anmhunn anmhunn.
Anmhunn.
Is e ughdair so Ossian.
An so chunnaic mi an Fheinn, do chunnaic mi Conan ’us Gall,
Fionn ’us Osgar mo mhac, Roinn, ’us Art, ’us Diarmad donn,
12 THE BOOK OF [ ANCIENT.
M‘lowith kynkeith ni galge garrith derk is ey beg
Is ey m‘carrith nor heyme ni tre finni is fed
Glass is gow is garri galwe nin gead is conane brass
Gole is cwin m‘gwille sokkith m‘fynni is bran
Keilt m‘ronane ni gath doywn coylin is leym er gleinni
Is caedith a fronith or is fer one woyne var by vinni
Baynith m‘Brassil ni lanni m‘chromchin tenni m‘yn smail
Agus oskir m‘carrith zerve ni tre balwa is ni tre skaill
Tre boyane zlinni schroill tre rwell o voynith reith
vii mic cheilt ni glass tre zlassni zlessra nyn ser
Tre beath chnoki durt be veddeis fa wurni znath
Deach m‘eithit vorni vor oissi teacht er boie id tad
In soo a chonich ma in nane boyine eall di chenchyth koyll
In dimchill ossin is inn swle zlinni di fronfre or
Fer loo is kerrill croye di verdeis boye er gyth catht
Fay canym is felune feall di chonnik mi ead in soo
| Tn soo chonni.
A houdir so ossin m‘finn.
Innis downe a phadrik nonor a leyvin
A wil neewa gi hayre ag mathew fane eyrrin
Veyriss zut a zayvin a ossinn ni glooyn
Nac wil neewa ag aythyr ag oskyr na ag govlle
Ach is troyg ni skayl channis tuss cleyrry
Mis danew chrawe is gin neewa ag fane eyrrin
Nac math lat a teneir vee tow si caythre
Gin keilt gin noskyr weith far zutt is taythyr
Beg a wath lwmsi wee ym hew si caythree
Gin keilt gin noskyr weith far rwm is maythir
Is farr gnwss vec neyve re agsin raa am lay
Na wil doyr si grwnnith vea aggit gi hymlane
Innis dwne a halgin skayli ni caythryth noya
Verinsi zut gi hayre scaylli cath gawrraa
Ma sea skayll ni cathrych zeawris tuss a hannor
Gin netow gin nagris gin nenkis gin nanehoyve
Ka id muntir neyve is oyssil fayne eyrrin
Vil kroyss na gree na deilli sead cleyrri
Ni heynin is ni fane ni cosswil eayd ree cheyll
Neir zlass glayrre wea geyrre sprey
Er zraw tenni phadrik na fagsi ni demyh
Gin nis di ree noya ber a steach ni fayni.
MODERN. ] , THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 13
Mac Lughaidh geangach nan colg, Garaidh dearg, ’us Aodh beag,
"Us Aodh mac Garaidh nach tioma, na tri Fionna ‘us Fead
Glas, agus Gobh agus Garaidh, Galabh nan gead ’us Conan bras,
Goll agus Crudhain mac Ghuill, Socach mac Fhinn agus Bran, [glinne,
Caoilte mac Ronain nan cath, deagh dhuine coimhlinn agus leum air
Is e a cheud a bhronnadh dir, ’us fear o ’n bhonn bharr bu bhinne,
Baithean mac Brasail nan lann, mac Croimchinn dein mic an Smaill,
Agus Osgar mac Garaidh ghairbh, na tri Balbh ’us na tri Sgeil,
Tri buidhinn Ghlinne Sroil, tri Ruaill o mhonadh Righ,
Seachd mic Chaoilt nan cleas, tri Glasa o Ghlasraidh nan saor,
Tri Beathach chnoic an Duird, do bhitheas fo mhuirn a ghnath,
Deathach mac Fhichit a Bhoruinn mhoir, os a teachd air buaidh a taid.
An so chunnaic mi an Fheinn, buidheann fhiall do cheann ’chadh cedl.
An timchioll Ossiain ’us Fhinn, siubhail ghleann do bhronnadh dir,
Fearluth ’us Caruil cruaidh, do bheireadh buaidh air gach cath, —
Fa canaim ’us Faolan fiall, do chunnaic mi iad ’an so.
An so chunnaie.
Is e ughdair so Ossian mac Fhinn.
Innis duinn a Phadruig an onoir is leinn ;
Am bheil neamh co h-aighear aig maithibh Feinn Eirinn ?
Bheirinnse dhuit a dheimhin, Ossian nan glonn,
Nach bheil neamh aig d’ athair aig Osgar no aig Gall.
Ach is truagh an sgeul a chanas tusa chléirich, .
Mise deanamh chrabhaidh ’s gun neamh aig Feinn Eirinn.
Nach maith leat a d’ aonar bhi d’ shuidh ’s a chaithir
Gun Chaoilt, gun Osgar bhi marriut ’us d’ athair ?
Is beag am maith leamsa bhi am shuidh ’s a chaithir,
Gun Chaoilt, gun Osgar, bhi marrium ’us m‘athair
Is fearr gnuis mhie neimh ri fhaicinn réidh do la
No na bheil de dh’ or ’s a chruinne bhi agad gu h-iomlan.
Innis duinn a Thailginn sgeul na cathrach naomha,
Bheirinnse dhuit co h-aighear sgeul catha Ghabhra.
Ma ’s e sgeul na cathrach, dh’ iarras tusa a sheanair,
Gun iotadh gun ocras, gun airceas; gun aineamh,
Ge iad muinntir néimh, is uasal Feinn Eirinn,
Am bheil cruas nan cridhe, na diolsa iad a chléirich.
Ni h-ionann ’us na Feinn, ni cosmhuil iad ri cheile,
Ni air ghlas clar a bhi ag iarraidh spréidh.
Air ghradh teann a Phadruig na fagsa na daimhe,
Gun fhios do righ neimh beir a steach na Feinn.
14 THE BOOK OF . _ [ANCTIENT.
A houdir soo Ossein.
Annit doif skayle beg er finn, ne skayle nach currein soym
Er v‘cowle fay math golle, fa cowin sen rame ray
Di wamyn beggane sloyeg, ag essroyg nyn neggin mawle
Di chemyn fa holta yr trae, currych-mor is ben ann
Keigit leich. zownych mane leich, fa math er gneeit er gych gart
Fir rar ness is marg a cheith, di gowmist er gi ter nert
Derrymir wlli gi dane, ach finn no wane is gowle
-Dethow churrych fa hard keym wa na reym scoltyth nyn donn
Ne yarnyth tam in na techt gir zoywe calle si fort ynaa
Yth techt dey her in ness derre ass m‘cayve mnaa
Gilli a darli no syth graanne, is ser mayne nossyth dalwee
In nynin hanyk in gane, di waymin feyn rompyth sorve
Heg thuggin gu pupaill finn, is banneis gi grin doyth
Reggir m‘kowle na heiner, in bannow beinn gin toyth
Darrit in reith fa math drach, gi hard di neyn dath zlan
Ca trawe as danith in wan, toywr skaylli gi gar rowne
Neyn may re heir fa hwne, innosit gyth crwn my zayll
Ne elli trawe fa neyin grane nar earis feyn di leich feal
A reithyin hwlle gi royd a neyn oyk is math dalwe
In tosga fa daneis an gane tawiris doyth pen gi darve
Mi chomryth ort mass tow finn, di rae run in makayve mna
Daywis towr loyryth is di loye gave mi chomre gi loyth tra
Derrich in reith fa math fiss sloneit a niss ca ter a hei
Goym rayd chomre a wen er gi far za will in greit
Tay la feich a techt er murri leich is math gol er mi lorga
Mak re na Sorchir is geire erme is do fa anm in Dyr borb
Di churris gessi ne chenn gi berre fin may er saylle
Ts nach bein aggi mir wnee gar wath a ynee is awge
Di raye osgir gi glor mir far sin di chosk gi reith
Gin gar for finn di yess, ne rach tow less mir wneith
Di chemyn techt her stead leich si wayd oss gi far
Sowle ni farga gi dane si nwle chadni zoyve a wen |
Clokgit tenn teygne ma chenni far nar heme is bi tren
Skaa yrwnnych you er a zess a drum lin cless era claa
Clawe trome tortoyl nae gann gi tenn er teive in ir vor
A gymirt class assi chind is a techt in genn tloye
Za voneis zasg gi moya a sessow in gawlow skay
Er nert er zask er zolle ne elle far mir achay
Naill flath is rosk reith in kenn in ir fa keive crow
Math in noyth fa gall a zayd is loayth a stayd ne gi srow
eae
ey en
eee eg te
ne a
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 15
Is e ughdair so Ossian.
Aithnichte domh sgeul beag air Fionn, ni sgeul nach cuirear an suim,
Air Mac Cumhail fa maith goil, fa cuimhne sin ri ’m ré.
Do bha sinn beagan sluaigh, aig Easruadh nan eagan mall,
Do chi sinn fo shedl air traidh, currach mor ’us bean ann.
Caogad laoch guineach mu ’n righ, fa maith air ghniomh air gach gart,
Fir d’ ar n-eis is mairg a chite, do ghabhamaid air gach tir neart.
Do eireamar uile gu dion, ach Fionn nam Fiann ’us Gall, [tonn.
Do fheitheamh a churraich fa h-airde ceum, bha ’n a reim a sgoltadh nan
Ni dheanadh tamh ann a teachd, gu ’r ghabh cala ’s a phort ghnath.
Aig teachd do thir an eas, do eirich as maca mnatha,
Gile a dealradh no sitheadh gréine, ’us is min nds a deilbh ;
An ainnir a thainig an céin, do bhamaid féin roimpe soirbh.
Thig thugainn gu pubull Fhinn, ’us beannaicheas gu grinn doibh,
Fhreagair Mac Cumhail ’na aonar, am beannachd binn gun toigh,
Do fharraid an righ fa maith dreach, gu h-ard do nighean an dath ghloin,
Co ’n treabh as an d’ thainig a. bhean, thoir sgeul gu geur dhuinn.
Nighean mi righ thir fo thuinn, innisid gu cruinn mo dhiail,
Ni bheil treabh fa ’n iadh grian, nar iarras féin do laoich fial,
A rioghan a shiubhail gach roid, a nighean dig is maith dealbh,
An tosga fa thainigeas an cein, tabhaireas doibh féin gu dearbh.
Mo chomraich ort ma ’s tu Fionn, do radh ruinn am maca mnatha, [trath.
D’ fheabhas @’ trlabhraidh ’us do shluaigh, gabh mo chomraich gu luath
Deir an righ fa maith fios, sloinn a nis co th’ air do thi,
Gabham ri ’d chomraich, a bhean, air gach fear dha ’m bheil an cridhe.
Tha le fioch a teachd thar muir, laoch is maith goil air mo lorg,
Mac righ na Sorcha is maith airm, ’us do ’n ainm an Daire Borb.
Do chuireas geasan ’n a chionn, gum beireadh Fionn mi air sal,
"Us nach bithinn aige mar mhnaoi, ge ’r mhaith a ghniomh ’us.’Agh.,
Do radh Osgar le gloir mhéar, am fear sin a chosg gach righ,
Gun ge ’r foireadh Fionn do gheas, ni rachadh tu leis mar mhnaoi.
Do chi sinn teachd thar steud, laoch ’s a mheud os gach fear,
’Siubhal na fairge gu dian, ’s an itl cheudna ’ghabh a bhean,
Clogaid teann tighinn mu ’cheann, fa ’n fhear nar thioma ’us bu treun,
Sgiath chruinn dhubh air a dheas, a druim lan chleas air a cleibh,
Claidheamh trom toirteal nach gann, gu teann air taobh an fhir mhoir,
Ag imirt chleas os a chionn, ‘us a teachd an connimh an t-sluaigh,
A dha mhanais gaisge le buaidh, a seasamh an gualainn a sgéith,
Air neart, air ghaisge, air ghoile, ni bheil fear mear ach e,
Neul flath ’us rosg righ, an ceann an fhir fa caomh cruth,
Maith a shnuadh ‘us geal a dheud, is luaithe a steud no gach sruth,
16 THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Tanik in stead sin in deir sin far nat weine riss in nayne
Kegit leich wemir ann zonyth ra hynsyth gar nar
Er eggill in ir is a heyth ne royve leich zin gan zrane
Da twne mir hanik in deir darrit in reith fa math clu
In nathin tow feyn a wen in na sud in fer a der tow
Haneym a v‘coulle a ynd is fowir linn a zi tane
Darg say miss wra less ga math di thress a inn aylle
Derre oskir agus Gowle bi worbe coskir lonn ni gath
Nane sessow in gar in tloye eddir in far mor si flaath
Hanik in leich bi wath tlacht le feich is lay nart no genn
Aggis foddeis woyn in wen di we gar a zolin inn
Tuk m‘Morn in turchir dane gi croy na zey din tleyg
Ner anni in turchir nar hay za sky gin darny da wli
Di crath oskir fa mor ferg a chrissi yerg za layve claa
Aggis marveis stayd in ir mor in teaach a rinyth lai
Nor hut in stayd er in lerg zimpoo la ferg is la feich
Agis fokgris borbe in teme corik er in kegit leich
In tewe moe zinsyth fene is dinn kegit leich nar heim no all
Gar waat in tessow sid drost di zyle in gask la nyth lawe
Varrit da willi gi marri gi dane di gi far zew sin
De nemist wlli fa hur mir hu ac coryk fir
Chaywill tre nenor gi moy sin nirrill chroy solli di scur
Ga croy chaywill ni dre cheill er gieine dew sin a churr
Di zrwt gowle in nagni vir gu leddirt in ir in gor roit
Ga bea chewic eads in sin bi zarve in gell sin gloe
Horchir m‘Morn lai laive m‘re nyth sorchir skaylle mor
Is margk trave in danik in ven fa hut in far in gar roit
Is er tuttym in ir vor in gar zi choyn croye in ceme
Di we neyn re heir fa hwne bleygin ac finn ansyth nane
Flann m‘Morn croy in cass hor bass fa mor in teacht
Ne reive leich a danik ass zeive gin a chneis lane di chrecht
-Mathirsyth feine bi wath tlacht neach a wackyth reyve neir er
In nis ass derri dym zneith er inn is annit doth skayll.
Annit doth skayll.
Do zawe sea churre no o skay leith na thraa zor royve ann
Na gin dug ayr mor er ir wane is gin dranik se a feyn fynn.
Mir wee kegit leich garwe in daall in narm zo gi loor
Wemist gin choywir fa smach da goyvys woyn in cor
Di weit in glywe gin tocht a cluyith chorp agus skay
Co math chorik pen a deiss ne aykyth reiss er mi ray
Eligir aggin ag in ess fer bi wath tressi is gneive
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. ; 17
Thainig an steud sin air tir, ’*s am fear nar mhin ris an Fheinn.
Caogad laoch bhith’maid ann, a choinnich a dh’ ionnsuidh an fhir,
Air eagal an fhir ’us a theachd, ni robh laoch gun ghrain.
De thuinn mar thainig air tir, @ fharraid an righ fa maith clit,
An aithnich thu féin a bhean, an e sud am fear a deir tu ?
Aithnicheam, Mhic Cumhail, a Fhinn, is pidhar leam e do d’ Fheinn,
Tairgidh se mise a bhreith leis, ge maith do threise, Fhinn aill,
Do eirich Osgar agus Gall, bu bhorb cosgair lonn nan cath,
"N an seasamh an goire do ’n t-sloigh, eadar am fear mor ’s am flath,
Thainig an laoch bu mhaith tlachd, le fioch ’us le neart ’n a cheann,
Agus faigheas uainn a bhean, do bha ’n goire do ghualainn Fhinn,
Thug Mac Moirne an t-urchar dian, gu cruaidh ’n a dheigh do ’n t-sleigh,
Nior fann an t-urchar nior e, dhe ’sgéith gun d@’ rinneadh da bhloidh.
Do chrath Osgar fa mdir fheirg a chrios dhearg dhe ‘laimh chli,
Agus marbhas steud an fhir, mdr an t-euchd a rinneadh leatha.
’N uair thuit an steud air an leirg, dh’ iompaich e le feirg ’us le fioch,
Agus fogras, borb an taom, comhrag air na caogad laoich. [’n a dhdil,
An taobh mo dh’ Scheie féin ’us d’ Fhinn, caogad laoch nior fhions
Ge ’r mhaith an seasamh ’s an tvosd, do gheill an cosg le a laimh.
Bheireadh da bhuille gu mear, gu dian do gach fear dhiubh sin,
Do bhitheamaid uile fa h-dir, mar h-timh ag comhrag fir.
Cheangail tri naoinear le buaidh, ’s an iorghuill chruaidh sul do sguir,
Gu cruaidh ceangail nan tri chaoil, air gach aon diubh sin a chuir.
Do dhruid Gall an aigne mhir, gu leadairt an fhir an goire roimhe,
Cia b’e chitheadh iad an sin, bu gharbh an goile ’s an gled ;
Thorchair Mac Moirne le a laimh, Mac righ na Sorcha, sgeul mdr ;
Is mairg treabh 0 ’n d’ thadinig a bhean, fa thuit am fear an goire romha.
Us air tuiteam an fhir mhdir, an goire do ’n chuan, cruaidh an ceum,
Do bhi nighean righ thir fo thuinn, bliadhna aig Fionn anns an Fheinn.
Flann mac Moirne cruaidh ’an cds, fhuair bas, bu mhodr an t-euchd,
Ni robh a thainig as dhiubh, gun a chneas lan de chreuchd :
MW athairse féin bu mhaith tlachd, neach am bochd riamh nior eur.
’Us nis is deireadh do ’n ghniomh, air Fionn is aithnichte domh sgeul.
Aithnichte domh sgeul.
Mar bha caogad laoch garbh, an dail an arm dha gu ledr,
Bhitheamaid gun chobhar fo a smachd, do ghabhas uainn a chbir,
Do bhitheadh an claidheamh gun tochd, a claoidh chorp agus sgiath,
Co maith chomhrag air mo dheas ni fhaca mi ris air mo réidh.
Adhlacar againn aig an eas, fear bu mhaith treis us gniomh,
2
18
Currir fay wrayth gi moyer fane oyr in nonor mi reith
THE BOOK OF
[ANCIENT.
Deyth bleyin zoolle in narm naye in leith worb nar loyeth in reith
M‘Morn fa deyiss lamm gai leygiss ag finn ni fleygh.
Actor hujus Ossane M‘finn.
Sai la guss in dei oy nach vaga mai finn
Chanaka rem rai sai boo zar lym
Mak neyn oe heik ree nyth wollych trom
Meddi is mo raith mo cheyl is mo chon
Fa filla fa flaa fa ree er girre
Finn fla re no vane fa treach er gych ter
Fa meille mor marre fa lowor er lerg
Fa shawok glan geith fa seith er gi carde
Fa hillanich carda fa markyth nor verve
Fa hollow er zneith fa steith er gi scherm
Fa fer chart a wrai fa tawicht toye
Fa hynseith naige fa bratha er boye
Fa hai in techter ard er chalm is er keol
Fa dwlta nyn dawf o zaik graig ni glar
A kness mir a galk a zroie mir in ross
Bi zlan gorm a rosk a holt myr in tor
Fa dwle dawf is doonna fa haryth nyn aw
F'a hollow er znee fa meine ri mnawe
Fa hai meille mor mak mwrna gi mygh
Bar lynyth nyn land an cranna os gych ig
Fa saywar in rygh a vodla mor zlass nyth
Din zort zar zewe terf nocha thra .. .
ae ae ee ee brone bane
. er nyth tloye fa bi chroy cham
Fa chossnw in greit fa vanve ni bann
Gin dug in flath trechaid cath fa chann
Er scrattych o zea M‘Cowle nor chail
Id deir fa zoo ne closs goo na vail
Ner earne er nach zor air voo ynd
Cha royve ach re grane re reyve vass a chynn
Neir aik pest in locht na arrych in noef
Neryn nyn neve ner varve in ser soyve
Ne hynasse zneve a beine gin de bra
Ner ynasse voym trane a voye si waa
Ach is olk id tam in dei ind ni vane
Di quhy less in flath gi math wa na zei
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 19
Cuirear fa bhraigh gach meur, fainne dir an onoir mo righ,
Deich bliadhna dhol an airm nimh, an laoch borb nior lughaich an righ,
Mac Moirne fa d’ fhios leam, ’ga leigheas aig Fionn nam fleadh.
= OT PR ee Se eye ee ‘ta PAS
Auctor hujus Ossian Mac Fhinn.
Se la gus an dé, o nach fhaca mi Fionn,
Cha-n fhaca ri ’m ré, saoi bu gheire leam ;
Mac nighinn O’ Theige, righ nam buillean trdm.
M’ eud ’s mo rath, mo chiall ’s mo chon,
Fa filidh fa flath, fa righ air gheire,
Fionn flath, righ ua Feinn, fa treabhach air gach tir,
Fa miall mdr mara, fa leobhar air leirg,
Fa sheabhag glan gaoithe, fa sith air gach ceairde,
Fa oileanach ceart, fa mairg nior mhearbh,
Fa ullamh air ghniomh, fa steidh air gach seirm,
Fa fior ceart a bhreth, fa tamhaiche tuaith,
Fa ionnsaichte ’n a aigh, fa brathach air buaidh,
Fa h-e an teachdair ard, air chalm ’us air cheol,
Fa ditltadh nan daimh, o dh’ fhag greagh na clar,
A chneas mar an cailc, a ghruaidh mar an rds,
Bu ghlan gorm a rosg, ’fholt mar an t-dr,
Fa dtil daimh ’us daoine, fa aireach nan agh,
Fa ullamh air ghniomh, fa min ri mnathaibh,
Fa h-e am miall mdr, mac muirne gach magh,
B’ fhear loinneadh nan lann, an crann os gach fiodh.
Fa saoibhir an righ, a.bhotal mor glas,
D’ fhion ghort ghear gharbh, tairbh noch char threa . .
EE ee et ee ay pee On wee broinn bhain,
. air an t-sluagh, fa bu chruaidh cheum,
Fa chosnadh an gniomh, fa Bhanbha bhain,
Gun d’ thug am flath, tricheud cath fa a ceann,
Air sgraiteach dha, M‘Cumhail nior cheil,
A deir fa a ghd, ni clos gd ’na bheul,
Ni euradh air ni, fhuair fear o Fhionn,
Cha robh aca ri gréin, righ riamh as a chionn,
Nior dh’ fhag beist an loch, no nathair an nimh,
An Eirinn nan naomh, nar mharbh an saor seimh,
Ni h-innisinn a ghniomh, a bhithinn gu de bhrath,
Nior innisinn uam, trian a bhuaidh ’s a mhaith,
Ach is ole a taim, an deigh Fhinn nam Féinn, .
Do chaidh leis an fhlath, gach maith bha ’na dhéigh,
20 - THE BOOK OF
Gin angnow in vor gin annith glan geith
Gin nor in mne ree is gin wre ni leich
Is tursych id tam in dei chinni ni gaid
Is me in crann er creith is me keive er naik
Is me chnoo cheith is me in teach gin schrane
Achadane mi nor is me in toath gin treath
Is me ossin m‘fynn er trane ym zneith
Nad be voa finn di bi lwm gi neith
Vii sliss er y hyg m‘kowl gyn blygh
vii fythit skae cliss er gi sliss deu sen
Kegit ymme oole in dymchale mi ree
Kegit leich gin ymzwn syth gith ymme zeive
x’ pley bane na hallith re hoil
xt urskir gorm x* corn in noor
Ach bi wath-in traive a wag finni ni vane
Gyn dochil gin drow gyn glw is gyn gley
Gyn talkis ind er in err za ayne
Ag dol er gi nae di weith cach za rar
Finn fiath in tloye sothran er a lou
Re nyn wlle aig roy zwnni ni ner zwlt
Ner zwlt finn ree nath ga bi veg a lynn
Char churre ass i heach nach zor danyth ann
Math in donna finn math in donna ai
Noch char helic nath lai zor helic sai.
Sai.
A houdir so Allane M‘Royree.
Glennschee in glenn so rame heive, a binn feig agus lon,
‘Menik redeis in nane, ar on trath so in dey agon
A glen so fa wenn Zwlbin zwrm, is haald tulchi fa zran
Ner wanew a roythi gi dark, in dey helga o Inn ni vane
Estith beg ma zalew leith a chuddycht cheive so woym
Er wenn Zwlbin is er inn fail, is er M‘ezoynn skayl troyg
Gur lai finn fa troyg in shelga, er V‘ezwn is derk lei
Zwil di wenn Zwlbin di helga, in turkgi nach fadin erm zei
Lai M‘ezwnn narm ay, da bay gin dorchirre in tork
Gillir royth ba zoill finn, is sche assne rin do locht
Er fa harlow a zail, M‘ozunn graw nin sgoll
Ach so in skayll fa tursych mnaan, gavr less di layve an tork.
Zingywal di lach ni wane, da gurri ea assi gnok
In schenn tork schee bi garv, di vag ballerych na helve mok
[ANCIENT.
MODERN. ] ' ‘THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 21
Gun anghnath aoin mhdir, gun eineach glan gaoithe,
Gun or ’us mnatha righ, ’s gun bhreith nan laoch.
Is tuirseach a taim an deigh chinn nan ceud,
Is mi an crann air chrith, ’s mo chiabh do m’ fhag,
Is mi a chno chith, is mi an t-each gun srian,
Achadan mi an uair, is mi an tuath gun treabh,
Is mi Ossian mac Fhinn, air trian de ’m ghniomh,
An fhad bu bhed Fionn, do bu leam gach ni,
Seachd slios air a thigh, M‘Cumhail co fleadh
Seachd fichead sgiath chleas, air gach slios dhiubh sin,
Caogad uidheam olaidh an timchioll mo righ,
Caogad laoch gun iomagan, anns gach uidheam dhiubh,
Deich bleidh ban, ’n a thalla ri Ol,
Deich eascradh gorm, deich corn de ’n Or,
Ach bu mhaith an treabh, a bh’ aig Fionn nam Feinn,
Gun doichioll gun druth, gun gleois gun gléidh,
Gun tarchuis ann, air aon fhear dh’a Fheinn,
Aig dol air gach ni, do bha cach d’a réir, —
Fionn flath an t-sluaigh, sothran air a luaidh,
Righ nan uile aigh, roimh dhuine nior dhiult,
Nior dhiult Fionn roimh neach, ge bu bheag a loinn,
Char chuir as a theach, neach dha ’r thainig ann,
Maith an duine Fionn, maith an duine e,
Noch char thiodhlaic neach, le dha ’r thiodhlaic se.
Sé.
Is e Ughdair so Allan Mac Ruaridh.
Gleannsith an gleann so ri m’thaobh, ’s am binne feidh agus loin,
Is minic a ruitheas an Fheinn, air an t-srath so an deidh an con,
An gleann so fo Bheinn Ghulbainn ghuirm, a’s dillidh tulaich fo’n ghréin,
Na struthana a ruith gu dearg, an deidh shealg o Fhionn na Feinn.
Kisdibh beag mar dh’ fhalbh laoch, a chuideachd chaoimh so uam,
Air Bheinn Ghulbain ‘us air Fionn fial, ’us air Mac O’ Dhuinn, sgeul truagh,
Gur le Fionn bu truagh an sealg, air Mhac O’Dhuinn a’s deirge lith,
Dhol do Bheinn Ghulbain do shealg, an tuire nach faodain arm a chaoidh.
Le Mac O’Dhuinn an airm digh, do ’m b’e gun torchradh an tore,
Geillear roimhe bu dh’ fhoill Fhinn, is e esan a rinn do lochd.
Fhear fa tharladh an gaol, Mac O’Dhuinn gridh nan sgoil,
Ach so an sgeul fa tursach mnathan, gabhar leis do lAimh an tore,
Dionghal do laoch na Feinn, do chuir e as a chnoe,
An seann tore, is e bu ghairbhe, do fhac ballardaich na h-alla-muie.
22 ‘ THE BOOK OF _[ANCIENT.
Soeyth finn is derk dreach, fa wenn Zwlbin zlass in telga
Di fre dimit less in tork, mor in tolga a rin a shelga
Di clastich cozar ni wane, nor si narm teach fa a cann
Ersi in a vest 0 swoyn, is glossis woyth er a glenn
Curris ri faggin nin leich, in shen tork schee er freich borb —
Bi geyr no ganyth sleygh, bi traneiseygh na gath bolga
M‘ozwnn ni narm geyr, fragor less in na vest olk
Wa teive reyll trom navynyth gay, currir sleygh in day] in turk
Brissir an cran less fa thre, si chran fa reir er in mwk
In sleygh o wasi waryerka vlaye, rait less nochchar hay na corp
Targir in tan lann o troyle, di chossin mor loye in narm
Marviss M‘ozunn fest, di hanyth feyn de hess slane
Tuttis sprocht er Inn ne wane, is soyis sea si gnok
Makozunn nar dult dayve, olk less a hecht slane o tork
Er weith zoyth faddi no host, a durt gar wolga ri ray
Tothiss a zermit o hocht, ga maid try sin tork so id taa
~ Char zult ay achonyth finn olk leinn gin a heacht da hygh
Toissi tork er a zrum, M‘ozunn nach trome trygh
Toiss na ye reiss, a yermit gi meine a tore,
Fa lattis troygh ya chinn, a zil nin narm rind gort
Ymbeis bi hurrus goye, agus toissi zayve in tork
Gunne i freich neive garve, boonn in leich bi zarg in drod
Tuttis in sin er in rein, M‘O’Zwne nar eyve fealle
Na la di heive in turk, ach sen ayd zut gi dorve
A ta schai in swn fa creay, M‘O’Zwne keawe in gleacht
Invakane fullich ni wane, sin tulli so chayme fa art
Saywic swlzorme essroye, far la berrit boye gi ayr
In dey a horchirt la tork, fa hulchin a chnokso a taa
- Dermit M‘O’Zwne oyill, huttom tra ead nin noor
Bi gil a wrai no grane, bu derk a wail no blaik .. .
Fa boe innis a alt, fadda rosk barglan fa lesga
Gurme agus glassi na hwle, maissi is cassi gowl ni gleacht
Binnis is grinnis na zloyr, gil no zoid varzerk vlaa
Mayd agis evycht sin leich, seng is ser no kness bayn
Coythtye is maaltor ban, M‘O’Zwne bi vor boye
In turri char hog swle, o chorreich wr er a zroy
Immir deit eyde is each, fer in neygin creach nar charre
Gilli a bar gasga is seith, ach troyg mir a teich so glenn.
Glennschee.
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE, - 23
Is subhach Fionn a’s deirge dreach, fa Bheinn Ghulbain ghlais an t-seilg,
Do frith @imich leis an tore, mdr an t-olc a rinn a shealg,
Ri cldisdeachd co-ghdir nam Feinn, ’us an airm teachd fa a cheann,
Eireas a bhéisd o ’shuain, ’us gluaiseas uath air a ghleann, —
Cuireas ri fagail nan laoch, an seann tore ’us e air friodh borb,
Bu ghéire no gath nan sleagh, bu treine a shaigh no gath bolga.
Mac O’Dhuinn nan arm geur, freagras leis a bhéisd ole,
O a thaobh thriall trdm nimhneach gath, cuirear sleagh an dail an tuire,
Brisear a crann leis fa thri, ’s i a crann fa réir air a mhuc,
An t-sleagh o bhos bhardhearg bhlaith, rait leis noch char e ’n a chorp.
Tarruingear tan lann 4 truaill, do choisinn mdr bhuaidh nan arm,
Marbhas M‘O’Dhuinn a bhéisd, do thainig e fhéin as slan.
Tuiteas sprochd air Fionn na Feinn, ’us suidheas e ’s a chnoc ;
Mac O’Dhuinn nach do dhiult daimh, ole leis a thighinn slan o’n tore.
Air bhi dha fada ’n a thosd, a dubhairt, ge b’ole ri radh,
Tomhais, a Dhiarmaid o ’shoc, cia meud troidh ’s an tore a ta,
Char dhiult e achuinge Fhinn, olc leinn gun a theachd d’a thigh,
Tomhaisidh an tore air a dhruim, Mac O’Dhuinn nach trdm troidh.
Tomhais ’n a aghaidh a ris, A Dhiarmaid gu min an tore,
Fa leat is truagh dha chinn, a ghille nan arm roinn ghoirt.
Imicheas, bu thurus goimh, agus tomhaisidh dhoibh an tore,
Guinidh a fhriogh nimh garbh, bonn an laoich bu gharbh ’an trod.
Tuiteas ’an sin air an raon, M‘O’Dhuinn nior aoibh feall ;
’N a luidh do thaobh an tuirc, ach sin e dhuit gu doirbh ;
A ta se an sin fa chreuchd, M‘O’Dhuinn caomh an gleachd ;
Aon mhacan fulangach nam Fiann, ’s an tulach so chi ’m fa ard,
Seabhag silghorm Easruaidh, fear le ’m beireadh buaidh gach air
An déigh a thorchairt le tore, fa thulchain a chnuic so a ta.
Diarmaid M‘O’Dhuinn aibheil, a thuiteam troimh eud an dir.
Bu ghile a bhri no gréin, bu deirg a bheul no blath . . .
Fa buidhe innis a fholt fad, rosg bar ghlan fa liosg,
Guirm ’us glaise ’n a shvil, maise ’us caise ctl nan cleachd,
Binneas ’us grinneas ’n a ghldir, gile ’n a dhdid bhir-dhearg bhlath,
Meud agus éifeachd ’s an laoch, seang ’us saor fo a chneas ban,
Cothaich ’us mealltair bhan, M‘O’Dhuinn bu mhor buaidh,
An tir cha thog a shi, 0 chorruich ir air a ghruaidh,
Immirdich fhaoghaid ’us each, fear an éigin chreach nar char,
Gille b’ fhearr gaisge ’us sith, ach truagh mar a theich ’s a ghleann.
Gleannsith.
24 THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
A houdir so seiss Allan M‘Royre.
Mor in nocht my chow feyn a halgin a ta zim rair
Re smeinten a chaa chroy huggemir is carbryth cranroy
A maksen chormik ochwnni merga in nayn harlyth fa chung
Reith gin chass vin chaath di churri ris gin zrane royth boe
Kailswm gith ollith fame hwnni inni is clanni keive chwnn
Guss wyve sen charbre roye nir smeine seine olk na anweine
Di chan carbryth ranyth loyeth agus di be in nellith chroye
Gir bar less twttwm er mygh agus in nane la cheille
Nassyth reithre wea vir agus in nane a weith er nerrin
Di chan barrin gi prap cwneich mwkre agis art
Fir sinsir huttwm in sin di wreith fellith ni faynith
Cwneich a gessith chroye is cwneich in non oywir
Is nach reym cogeith rame linni ach na hoggeith vakkowle
Ba corle clonni cwne agus carbre a lay trome
Kad feyne a hawrt dar ginni agus sinni di zochin
Gow marreith na zey wleyg is gin nane a weith in nalwin
Is weadeist baiss fa zoem tra nach bedeis in mir zlee
Hug sen gi feich fergich in cathsin cacht zawraa
Di hut in nane bonni ri bonni is reithre olsa errin
Ne roygh o nynea nor gow fodleith earra in doythin
In reith nach roygh far smacht rar linni gwss a chaa sen a halgin.
O churre an sen r nar ner zoive rwneni keiss na kayn
Is ne roye ag dwn keith rwn ach far gwde di zea nerrin
Ymmi er fey in doyn worre nach lar wey in dey in tloye
Ni fonyeith la er Jai a huttym la ny cheillith
Da deg feith awlwarreith in seu orrew in nerrin eazlyn
Ossin cred a zaneith finni agus ersemi far nerrin
Er a lave a cleyrre chaye ne royith si vanve vane
Beggane di leichre erse agus ogre gin darve
Ga bea reith heyssyth i in sin zoive sai fodleith in nasgeith
Gin cath gin nirril gin nawg gin none gin achassen
Churr sin ir techta sorgow faa mayk v* conni
Di hoith orrin nar genni di zowell reithreith errin
Mor in tysin dymith orweith a reith taureith fa mo torm
Twlleith owyr a tug gow dul di warwa er ollea
Ossin innis doive skail nor chorsew in nirril trane
Nor hutyth di waksi si chaa na drwg tow er er lawryth
Oskin mi vec osgir ayen hanyth miss er curreith in nar a
Id tanik keiltyth er sen oskir a hechtir clynni
Hanik in roze boa zar weane woskin in garrith dyth feyn
WA, See ee ee ee Tes”
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 25
An t-ughdair so sios, Allan Mac Ruaraidh.
Mor an nochd mo chumha féin a thailginn a tha do ’m réir,
Ri smuaintinn a chatha chruaidh thugamar ’us Carbair crann ruaidh,
Am mac sin Chormaig O’Chuinn, mairg an fheadhan a tharladh fo ’chuing,
Righ gun chads 0 ’n chath do chuireadh leis gun ghrain roimh beothaibh,
Cheangladh sinn gach uile Fiann, thun Fhinn ’us cloinne caoimh Chuinn,
Gus do bhi sin Carbair ruadh, nior smuainich sinn ole no ainmhein.
Do chan Carbair ris an t-sluagh, agus do b ’e an ealaidh chruaidh,
Gur b’ fhearr leis tuiteam air magh, agus an Fheinn le chéile,
No na righre bhi fa dir, agus an Fheinn a bhi air Eirinn.
Do chan Barruinn gu prap, cuimhnich Mucraidh agus Art,
Bhur sinnsreadh thuiteam an sin, de bhreith foill na Feinn,
Cuimhnich na geasan chruaidh, ’us cuimhnich an on uamhor,
’Us nach robh aon chogadh ri ’m linn, ach na thog Mac Cumbhail.
-Be comhairle chlanna Chuinn, agus Charbair na laimhe truime,
fad féin a thabhairt do ’r cinn, agus sinne a dhochainneadh,
Gu maireadh ’n a dheidh fleadh, ’us gun Fheinn a bhi ’n Almhainn,
Us bhitheas bas fa dhiomb, an trath nach bitheas ann mar dhlighe.
Thug sinn gu fiadhaich feargach, an cath sin cath Ghabhra.
Do thuit an Fheinn bonn ri bonn ’us righre uasal EHirinn.
Ni robh o ’n Innia an ear, gu Fodla iar an domhain,
Aon righ nach robh fo ’r smachd, r ’ar linn gus a chath sin, a thailginn ;
O chuireadh an sin ar n-dr nior ghabh dhuinn cis no cain,
’Us ni robh aig duine cith ruinn ach far cuid de dh’ iath an Eirinn,
Iomadh bhi air feadh an domhain mhoir nach lAthair bhi an deigh an
Ni faoin lamh air laimh a thuiteam le na chéile, [t-sloidh,
Da tig fiadhaich almharaich an sin orra ’an Ejirinn iath-ghlan.
Ossiain, creud a dheanadh Fionn, agus iarsma far an Eirinn ?
Air a laimh a chléirich chaidh, ni robh ’s a Bhanbha bhiin,
Beagan de laochraidh arsaidh agus oigridh gun dearbhadh ;
Ge b’ e righ a sheasadh an sin gheabhadh se Fodla an nasgaidh,
Gun chath, gun iorghuill, gun agh, gun on, gun achmhasan.
Chuir sinn ar teachta saor gu fath Mac mhic Cuinn.
Do chaidh uainn ’n ar cinn do ghabhail righre Eirinn,
Mor an tigh sin @ imich oir bha righ Teamhra fa mor toirm,
Tuilleadh aobhar a tug gu dol a mharbhadh ar n-uile.
Ossian, innis doibh sgeul ’n uair chuir sibh an iorghuill threun,
"N uair thuit do mhac-sa ’s a chath, an do rug thu air a labhradh ? ©
Os cionn mo mhic Osgair aine thiinig mis air cur an dir,
Do thainig Caoilte air sin oscionn a sheachdnar cloinne,
Thainig na robh bed de ’r Feinn os cionn an cairdean fein,
26 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Drong zoe lawrrit or sin is weith drong ellith gin armyn
A cleyrreith na baichil bane ga bea zeith chewith in toyr
Byth vor in troye rar lin olsa errin di hwttim
Ymmeith caithraa codeith keive ymmi loereith heith her
Ymmeith skaith harsi si wygh agus a trea gin armin
Cha dewith sin din tloyg mirri baale er in roygh boye
Cha dwg sin lynni ass a chaa ach feve reith na ardlacht
Sanni a hor mo mi wag feyn na lea er a wilin claa
Is skaa nawriss er in layr agus a lanni na zess lawe
Donnw] allith er gith lea dea er bley a looreicha
Leggwm erla mi ley re lar is di bi rynis oss a chinni tawe
Sminum a healgin er sen cred a zanvin na zeye
Di hillith osgir rwmsyth soss agus bi lor lam a chross
Di hein a hwggwm a laave er wayn er ym choaailli
Di zoyve may lawe mi vec feyn is dyth hoeis ranyth crea
Ts aon tw sin a lea char churreis caiss sin teil
Hurrt rwmsyth mi wak farryth agus a nar armyth
A woe riss ni dwllw sin di wesith slane a aythir
Ne zanwmsyth zewsytht gaeth ne roe aggwm fregreith zoe
Gin danik keilt worsin huggin a zeyzin oskir
A dowirt mak ronane in nawe ach keynis tazes a zrawg
A tame er oskir mir is dlee dul a gowar seil awzeive
Crachtea sley carbre roye fa ymlin oskir armroye
Lawe cheilt ga wllin doe reach in greachte nyth sley
Sirris keilta a knee er choyr id toyr a inni na zoee
It toyr a zrwme crechti kyn er a zerre din zorley
Skreddis makronane sin agus tuttis gow talwin
Id dowirt keiltyth ym meille trane er weith zoe er tryle in dyvenail
Feirane sen a oskir aile a skarris ranyth wane
Is skar raa caath ra fynni bae in keiss ag seil mor chwne
- Gerrit a weith zone mir sin a vec alpin a chlerich
Gi waka a huggin wo nar ne roye boea zanew phail
Feichit keaid zonyth mir sin eddr ogre is arse
Ne roowe dwne slane dew sin aggin din neychit cadsin
Ach fer ix gonni gi reive fath low ag gin di chreactew
Togmir in tosgir arne er chrannew sley in nardew
Bermoyn e gu tullych zlin dyth howirt dea a heydyth
Lead nyth bossyth zane chorp cha royve slane wo na alt
Na gi ryg a wonyth lar ach a ygh na hynirrane
In nyith sin dwn sin naar geillingua churp gow laa
Gir hogsin clan v° ne finni er chnokew ard evin
Neyr choneith neach a v° fen nir chein a wrar fa zeyth
Re fegsin me vecsi mir sen kaach wllyth a kenyth oskir
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 27
Droing dhiubh labhradar sin ’us bhi droing eile gun anamain.
A chleirich a bhachuil bhain, ge bith do chitheadh an t-ar,
Bu mhdr an truaighe ri ’r linn uailse Eirinn do thuiteam.
-Tomadh cobhra codat caomh, iomadh luireach shitheach shaor
Iomadh sgiath tharsna ’s a mhagh, agus a triath gun anamain,
Cha dubhach sin do ’n t-sluaigh mar a b’ al air an robh buaidh,
Cha tug sinn leinn as a chath ach faoibh righ no ardlaoich.
’S ann a fhuair mi mo mhac féin ’n luidhe air ’uilinn cli,
A sgiath ’n a bhris air an lar, agus a lann ’n a dheas laimh,
De ’n fhuil aille air gach leth, @iadh air blaghaibh a luirich,
Leigeam earrlinn mo shleidh ri lar agus rinneas os a chionn tamh,
Smuaineam a thailginn air sin creud a deanainn ’n a dheigh,
Do thill Osgar riumsa suas agus bu ledr leam a chrois,
Do shin e thugam a lAmh air mhiann air mo chdmhdhail,
Do ghabh mi JAmh mo mhic féin ’us do thugas ran cruaidh,
"Us o an taobh sin a leth nior chuireas cas ’s an t-saoghal,
Thubhairt riumsa mo mhac féin fear agus e an oir anamainn,
Fo ris na duilibh sin do bhi-sa slan a athair,
Ni dheanaimse innseadh ghd, ni robh agam freagradh dha,
Gu ’n tainig Caoilte mdr sin thugainn a dh’ fhaicinn Osgar.
A dubhairt Mac Ronain an aigh, ach cionnus tathas, a ghraidh ;
_ A tathaim ar’ Osgar mar is dlighe ’dol an comhar saoghail aighe,
Chreuchd sleadh Charbair ruaidh fa imlinn Osgair armruaidh,
Lamh Chaoilte gu ’uilinn do rach an creuchdaibh na sleigh,
Sireas Caoilte an cneadh air choir, do fhuair gach ni ’na dhoigh,
Do fhuair a dhruim creuchta glan air a ghearradh le ’gheur shleadh.
Sgreadas Mac Ronain an sin agus tuiteas gu talmhainn ;
Do thubhairt Caoilte am milidh treun air bhi dha air triall an dubh neul,
Firinn sin a Osgar ail a sgarras ri na Feinn,
’Us sgaraidh cath ri Fiannaibh, bithidh an cis aig siol mor Chuinn.
Goirid a bhi dhuinn mar sin a Mhic Alpain, a chléirich,
Gu facadh thugainn o ’n ar na robh bed de Fhiannaibh Fail,
Fichead ceud dhaoine mar sin eadar oigridh ’us arsaidh ;
Ni robh duine slin diubh sin againn de ’n fhichead ceud sin,
Ach fear naoi guine gu nimh, fath lugh aig gun de chreuchdadh.
Togamar an t-Osgar arnaidh, air chrannaibh sleidh an airde,
Beirminn e gu tulach ghrinn, do thabhairt dheth ’éideadh ;
Leud a bhoise dhe ’n chorp cha robh slan o ’fholt,
No gu ruig a bhuinn Jar ach ’aghaidh ’n a h-aonaran ;
An inigh, ’s an dutin, ’s an ira, geilleachdainn d’a chorp gu la,
Gur thog sinn clann Mhic na Feinn, air chnocaibh ard aoibhinn,
Nior chaoin neach a mhac féin, nior chaoin a bhrathair fa dheoigh,
Ri faicsinn mo mhacsa mar sin, cich uile a caoineadh Osgair.
28 THE BOOK OF
Gerrit a wee zown mir sin er curryth in a churp cheive zil |
Gow vaka chuggin fa nona fin m‘kowle vic tranevor
Gow dugsidir annsyth nar drane boe di zanew phal
Er fyail clynni boissni neyr fa chassil chroo sin nirril
Di bi roye baekeith ni werri agus skranil ni meillyth
Gow vaggi sin merga finni re cranni sley voss er gin
Hugsaid huggin assin nar di hug sin na goaill
Di vannych sinn ullyth zinni agis char reggir a sinni
Dulli er in tullych na rane far in rowe oskir armzar
Nor a wowych oskir finni er tocht daa voss a chinni
Togissa nye neachla is bannythchis da hanathir
Id dowirt in tosgir in sin re m‘murnaith sin nor sin
Mi chin fest riss in naik er haggin a inni armzar
Troyg a oskir arne a zey v° mo v° syth fen
Miss er a zey is fanne is er dye fane errin
Mallych art in r gym moye sai sa dwe tanyth reym loyith
Di leon a orrwm a her na gi reach ma in noeneith
Slane wome a zirril is di zawe slane di gi keiss di hoikwail
Slane di gi math woym in nossa ach ne waym zin chomso
Re clastin kelwein nyth finni a arrwm a hosgir zi ling
Di hein a woa in dai lawe is di zea a rosga rinwlaa
Di hynta finni runna a chwle di hilla deara gow dour
Ach fa osgir is fa wranna cha drin sai dar er talvin
Ach missi wane agis fin ne royve a zayn woss a chin
Hug ait tree zayryth sin noyr a class fa errin awoyr
Coyk fichit kead x is deich kead er in goayrren zin fen
Wa din nam marve er a wygh gyn nane dwn za essen
A zaa urdill sin is ne goe is reith errin skail fa moe
Wa marve er in teive ellith di loyg errin armylin —
Neyn roye finni swllor na saive o hen gow hyig a wass
_ Woyn zloossin ne far da less reithre wea zi werrin
Woyn chath sen cath zawryth noch cha drone ma tyn nawryth
Cha rowe in oor roea na loo nar leg maa ossni lan wor
Mor noch.
A houdir so seis Farris filli.
Ard agne zwlle, fer coggi finn
Leich loyvir loonn, owil ne timmi
Seir anich soss, ser snaig heive
Murrich er sloyg, goole crowich keive
Mak mornyth marri, fa croith in goll
[ ANCIENT.
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 29
Goirid a bhi dhuinn mar sin, air curaidh a chuirp chaoimh ghil,
"Gu facadh thugain fa ndin, Fionn mac Cumhail mhie Threinmhoir.
Gu tugsidear anns an ar trian bed de dh’ Fhiannaibh Fail,
Air faighail clanna Boisgne an iuir fa chaiseal chrd ’s an iorghuil ;
Do bu ro bhacach na fir agus graineil na milidh ;
Gu faca sinn meirghe Fhinn, ri crann sleidh os ar cionn,
Thugsaid thugainn as an ar ; do thug sinn ’n a comhdhail,
Do bheannaich sinn uile dh’ Fhinn agus char fhreagair e sinn,
’Dol air tulach nan treun, far an robh Osgar armgheur,
’N uair a mhothaich Osgar Fionn air teachd da os a chionn,
Togas an aghaidh neochlaon, ’us beannaicheas d@’ a sheanathair.
A dubhairt an t-Osgar an sin, ri Mac Muirne ’s an uair sin,
Mo chion feasd ris an eug air fhaicinn a Fhinn airmgheir,
Truagh, a Osgair arnaidh a dheadh mhic mo mhic-sa fein,
Mise air a dheigh is fann, *us air deigh Feinn Eirinn,
Mallachd ort a fhir co ’m buaidh ’s e is duibh thainig ri m’ shluagh,
Do lean e orm o shear, na gu rachadh mi an aonach,
Slain uam do iarghuil ’s do dgh, slan do gach cis a thogail,
Slan do gach maith uam a nis, ach na faigheam de ’n chom so,
Ri claistinn caolmhuinn Fhinn, an arraing Osgar do ling,
Do shin e uaith a dha lamh ’us do dh’ iath a rosg roinnbhlath.
Do thionndadh Fionn ruinn a chil, do shileadh dheur gu dir ;
Ach fa Osgar ’us fa Bhran, cha d’ rinn se deur air talmhainn,
Ach mise mhain agus Fionn ni robh de dh’ Fheinn os a chionn,
Thug iad tri ghdir ’s an uair, a chlos fa Eirinn aghmhor.
Cuig fichead ceud, deich ’us deich ceud air an comhaireimh dhinn féin,
Bha de ’n Fheinn marbh air a mhagh, gun aon duine dheth easbhuidh
A dha irdail sin ’us ni gd ’us Righ Eirinn sgeul fa mo,
Bha marbh air an taobh eile, do shluagh Eirinn arm-ghrinn,
Ni robh Fionn suilbhir no seimh, 0 sin gu theachd a bhiis ;
O ’n ghled sin ni fearda leis, righrean bhi a dhith fearainn.
O ’n chath sin cath Ghabhra nocha d’ rinn mi treun labhradh,
Cha robh an uair riamh no lo, nar leig mi osnadh lan mhodr.
Mor an nochd.
?
Ts e ughdair so sios Ferghus Filidh.
Ard aigne Ghuill, fear cogaidh Fhinn,
Laoch leobhar lonn, *fhoghail nach tioma
Saor eineach suas, saor snaidheach a thaobh,
Murrach air sluagh, Goll cruthach caomh,
Mac Moirne mear, fa crodha an goil,
THE BOOK OF
A clew fa schen, far geinnoll sen
Reith finnith fayl, ne timmi glor
Ne seywe a chail, leich eyve mor
Noor heyd a gayth, rayme flath feich
Ga meine a chness, ne in tass in neith
A waid ne i myn, oosi geagi torri
Say is glenny gen, eyddi ni skoll
Ooss barri benn, errir sen rynn
Fa heggill lenn, a hagri hecht rinn
Derrim rwt a inn, na drillis noonn
Di warr agli zwle, hagni gi tromm
Gin chur ra wath, si cath ne in doe
Inseich chayth, kinseleich sloe
A anich ne min, fullich in fer
Dossi ni skoll, ossil a zen
Wrrik a loeg, torvirdych fayll
A throst cayth is boyn, foss flath a chayl
Dwn na olt, a wrunni mir chelk
Wiunlane mi chorp, lomlane da herk
Memnycht a weiss, dalweich a znwss
Ne elle re ooss gowle; ne chell ort a inn
Tress ni doon, a zasga zrin
Flaaoll foss, daytholl a kness
Er zoole ne cless, ne slim er hass
Broontych a zale, convych a royr
Ferriddi mein, melleddi moyr
Da rayth gi brayth, aw agis eich
Nawch ri cayth, lawch a leich
Claa chonis woyn, sonnis ni wayne
Monmurrycht coyn, illericht dane
Loyvin er aw, croyth na grewith
Loyvir a layve, royg ni reith
Sonnis ni rowd, sollis a zaid
Curris say layve, gych trayn da wayd
Boyn rowni a nir, boy corrik er
Leydwich a zolli, egni in sterr
Leich cwnych loonn, neawnych la lynn
Targissi goole, argissicht lynni
Leich arm mar, fargycht ra chin
Colg convych er, onchon er zoll
Fer zalle ni gonn, royt zraw ni ban
Beith dawe gin non, di znaa na zarr
La beowe rod, a rot ne in tlaa
[ANCIENT.
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 31
A chlit fa sean, fear geanail sin
Righ feinnidh fial, ni tioma gloir,
Ni ’n saobh a chiall, laoch aoibhidh mor,
’N uair theid an cath, reim flath fioch,
Ge min a chneas, ni ‘n taise ’an ni,
A mheud ni mion, os geug an toradh,
’S e is gloinne gean, oide nan sgoil,
Os barraibh bheann, eirear ’s an raoin.
Deirim riut a Fhinn, na triallas nunn,
Do fearr eagal Ghuill, aigne ge trom,
Gun chuireas ri mhaith, ’s a chath ni ’n doigh,
Tonnsaidheach caidh, ceannsalach sloigh,
A eineach ni mion, fuileach am fear,
Toiseach nan sgoil, uasail a ghean,
Oirdheare a shluagh, toirbheartach fiall,
A throsd cath is buan, os flath a chiall,
Donn ’n a fholt, a bhronn mar chaile,
Tomlan m’a chorp, lomlan de sheire,
Eire fa chis, bu choir dha chuis,
Meanmnach a bhitheas, dealbhach a ghnuis,
Ni bheil righ os Goll, ni cheil ort a Fhinn ;
Treise nan tonn, a ghaisge ghrinn,
Flathail fds, dathail a chneas,
Air Gholl nan cleas, ni sliom air theas,
Bronntach a dhail, confhadhach a thredir,
Fearanta min, mileanta mor,
Do rait gu brath, ’agh agus *fhioch,
Nimheach ri cach, lamhach an laoch,
Cleith chonus bhuan, sonas ’na mhein,
Monamarrach cuain, iorghuileach dian,
Leomhan air agh, crodha ’n a ghniomh
Leobhar a lamh, roghadh nan righ,
Sonas ’n a rod, solus a dheud, oe
Cuireas se ledn, gach treun dha mheud,
Buan rejm an fhir, buaidh comhraig air,
Leidmheach a ghoile, eagnaidh a stair,
Laoch guineach lonn, nimhneach fa lainn,
Tarchuiseach Goll, argaiseach leinn,
‘Laoch arnaidh mear, feargach r’a chion,
Colg confhadhach air, onchu air ghoil,
Fearghail nan con, roghadh ghraidh nam ban,
Bithidh daimh gun on, do ghnath ’n a ghoire,
Le ’m bitheadh an rdd, a rdd ni ’n tlath,
THE BOOK OF
Meith ni grayth, a zrayth fa blaa
Seyor a chrow, awzor a rath
Ne in tranith shrow, na reym in gayth
Math morn is dane, fa orryth a zoyl
Innoyr a zloyr, beith woyn a chrayn
Trayth marri mer, fayle ferri a chorri
Gin tayr na zerr, a zaille er forri
Mak teadis cheiwe, nach tregi dawe
Gin choggi reith, nar laggi a layve
Oowir a cholk, is borbe a zloa
Nor erris arg, trane shelga zea
A v° cowle zrinn, coythwil ess gyle
See boynych di zoell, gin noa gin nawle
In ness rame lay, a zuayn zoo
Werrin gin chelga, trayn selga zoo
Ni twlli a ann, far nass i gor
Graw tenni inn, trane chon a zooll
Treg heich a zwle, be seichith ronn
Nad ray gin ving, trane feich finn
Zoywidsi sinni, arriss a ayll
Is skeil mi zroym, ne wor mi wane
Carri gin kelg, bail tanni derg
Anich si low, a clow oss ard.
Ard agni zwl.
A houdir so Farris Filli,
Innis donn a earris ille feynni errin
Kynis tarle zevin in gath zawrych ni beymin
Ne math v‘kowle mo skael o chath zawrich
Cha warr oskyr invin hug mor coskir calm
Cha warr seachta vec keilt na gasre fean alwe
Di hut oyk ni feani inn in eadyth arrych
Di marwe m‘owith si vi mek sin tathryth
Di hut oyk ni halvin di marwa feyn brettin
Di hut m¢ re lochlin fa linnyth veith chonyth
Bi chre fael farri bi lawe chalma in gonyth
Innis doif a ille m* mo vec is marrwm
Kynis di we oskyr scolta ni gathwarri
Bi zekkir a innis di bi vor in nobbir
Ne royve marve sin gath sen hut la armow oskyr
Ne loyth ess oyvin na seaywok re eltow
[ANCIENT.
ee
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 33
Meath ’n a ghruaidh, a ghruaidh fo bhlath,
Seangmhor a chruth, aghmhor a rath,
Nin treine sruth, no ’reim an cath,
Mac Moirne is déine, fa orra a chuala,
Ionmhuinn a ghldire, bu bhuan a ghreann,
Triath mora mear, fiall fior a chor. |
Gun tair ’n a ghoire, a dhail air foir,
Mac teadaidh caomh, nach tréigeadh daimh,
An cogadh righ, nior lag a lamh,
Uamhor a cholg, is borb a ghled,
"N uair dh’ eireas ’fhearg trian sealga dha.
A Mhic Cumhail ghrinn, comhail ’us geall,
Sith bhuan do Gholl, gun fhuath gun fheall.
An nis ri ’m 14 a gheibhinn dhomh,
Bheirinn gun chealg, trian sealga dha,
Ni tuilleadh dheth ann, fhir an taise a ’m ghoire
Gradh teann Fhinn, trian chon do Gholl.
Treig fioch, a Ghuill, bi sitheil ruinn,
’N ad ré gun mheang, trian fiodh o Fhionn,
Ghabhaidse sin, a Fherghuis aille,
Do sgaoil mo ghruaim, ni mair mo mhiann.
Charaid gun chealg, beul tana dearg,
*Hineach ’s a ligh, a chlid os aird. ‘
| Ard aigne Ghuill.
Is e ughdair so Ferghus Filidh.
Innis duinn a Fherghuis, fhilidh Feinn Eirinn,
Cionnus tharladh dhuinn, an cath Ghabhra nam beuman,
Ni maith Mhic Cumhail, mo sgeul o chath Ghabhra,
Cha mhair Osgar ionmhuinn, thug mor chosgar chalma,
Cha mhair seachd mhic Chaoilte, no gasraidh Fiann Almhuin,
Do thuit oige na Feinn, ann an eideadh airich,
Do marbh Mac Luighich, is sé mic sin d’ athar,
Do thuit oige na h-Almhuin, do marbh Feinn Bhreatuin,
Do thuit Mac righ Lochlainn, fa leinne a bhi a cOmhnadh,
Bha ’chridhe fial fearail, bha ’lamh calm an cOmhnuidh,
Innis doibh, a fhilidh, mac mo mhic ’us mo rin,
Cionnus do bhi Osgar, ’sgoltadh nan cathbharr.
Bu dheacair a innseadh, do bu mhor an obair,
Na robh marbh ’s a chath sin, a thuit le armaibh Osgair ;
Ni luaithe eas aimhne no seabhag ri ealtaibh,
3
34 THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Na re vwnni sroyth na oskyr sin gath sin
Weith say ma zerri mir willith ra trane zeith
Na mir chran voass ewee si wew gi a nauetee
Hug oskyr na chonew mir harwe twnni traa
Mir chonnik sen carbre di chraa in tlye hantych
Gir chur treith a chinnbir gir bea in couva cadna
Ner impoo sin oskyr gin dranyth re errin
Gin dug beym gin deichill gir zoichin ay garlyn
Bollis art mac carbre er in darna bull
Sawle a weith in fer sin si winn reith um
Is mi ferris filli dar hwil gych innis
Troyg er essni feynith my skeall re innis.
Innis.
Gilcallum m‘ynnollaig in turskail so seiss.
Di choala ma fad o hen skail di voneis re cowe
Is traa za haythris gow trome gata mir anneiss orrinn
Clanni rowre ni braa mawle fa chonchor is fa chonnil
Di bur low oyg err wyg er hurlar chogew ullytht
Ga hygh ne hanik ma genn fa ullyth leichre vanva
Cath ag waall innoyr ellyth dar zymone clannyth rowre
Hanik hukkith borbe a reith ir gurre croith connleich
A zis ni mur glarrith grinn 00 zown skayth gow errinn
Di lawir conchowr re caach ca zoveniyn chon in naglath
Di wrea beacht nyn skaillith zaa gr teachta la harreith woa
Glossis connil nar lag lawe di wrea skailleith din vackein
Er darve torrin din leich cayvelir connil laa connleich
_ Ner zoive in leich ra lawyth connil freich forranych
Cayd dar sloyg di cawleith less aygnyth is bone ri haythris
Curreith teachtir canni ni conni woo hardre ayngneith ulleith
Gow down dalgin zranyth zlyin sen down gaylith ni geill
Woyn down sin di loyr linni di zangnowne neyn orginn
Teggowss gneive nyn serrith sange gow reith feiltyth ny warrinn
Dissrych sloyg ullith oynnyth teiggowss kow ni creive roye
Mak dettin o zoyg mir howe nar ettee teacht dor gowir
Faddeith or chonchowr riss in gon wayghiss gin teacht dar gowir
Is connil surrych nyn stead marryth in gwrych is keada dor sloygh
Deakir zoiss wee ym bred a ir churre er charrit
Ne in raith dole in ayngnyth a lanni si taa lar chawleith connil
Na smein gin dole na zye a re ni gormlann granole
—_—— a ae
ee a ee
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
No ruith buinne srutha, no Osgar’s a chath sin.
Bha se mu dheireadh, mar dhuille ri treun ghaoith,
No mar chrann uas eabhaidh, ’s a bhitheadh ’g a shnaigheadh.
Mar chunnaic righ Eirinn, bed air lar a chath,
Thug Osgar ’n a choinnimh, mar gharbh tuinne traigh,
Mar chunnaic sin Cairbar, do chrath an t-sleagh shanntach,
Gur chuir troimhe a cheann bir, gur b’e an cumha ceudna.
Nior iompaich sin Osgar, gun d’ radinig Righ Eirinn,
Gun d’ thug beum co ’n dichioll, gu ’r dhochainn e geurlann ;
Bualas Art mac Charbair air an darna buille,
Is amhuil a bhi am fear sin, ’s a bhinn righ uime.
Is mi Ferghus Filidh da ’r shiubhail gach innis,
Truagh tareis na Feinn, mo sgeul r’a innis.
Innis.
Gillecallum Mac an Ollaimh an t-ursgeul so sios.
Do chuala mi fad o shean, sgeul do bhuineas ri cumha,
Is trath dha ’aithris gu trom, ge ta mar ainneas oirnne,
Clann Rughraidh nam breth mall fa Chonchoir ’us fa Chonnuil,
Do b’trlaimh oigfhir ’s a mbagh air h-urlar Choige Ullaidh,
G’a thigh na thainig le gean fa uile laochraidh Bhanbha,
Cath aig faighail aon uair eile, de ’r dh’ iomghuin clanna Righraidh.
Thainig thugainn, borb a fhraoch, an curaidh crodha Conlaoch,
. A dh’ fhios ni m ’ar claraibh grinn, 0 Dhunsgathaich gu Eirinn.
Do labhair Conchoir ri cach, Co a gheibheamar thun an oglaich,
Do bhreth beachd no sgeul dheth, gun teachd le euradh uaith ?
Gluaiseas Conull nior lag lamh do bhreth sgeul de ’n mhacan.
Air dearbhadh tarruing do’n laoch ceangailear Conull le Conlaoch,
Nior ghabh an laoch r’a tamhachd, Conlaoch fraochach furanach,
Ceud de’r sluagh do cheangladh leis, ioghnadh ’us buan ri aithris.
Cuirear teachdair gu ceann nan con o h-ardrigh eagnaidh Ullaidh,
Gu Dundealgain grianach glan seann dim ciallach nan Gaidheal,
O’n din sin do leughar leinn do dh’ eangnamh nighean Fhorgainn.
Thigeas gniomh nan saora seang gu righ faoilteach na fearainn,
Do fhiosrachadh sluaigh Ullaidh uaine, thigeas Cu na craoibhe ruaidh,
35
Mac deud-fhionn a ghruaidh mar shigh nar eitich tighinn dh ’ar cobhar.
Fad ars’ Conchor ris a choin bhathas gun teachd d’ ar cobhar,
Is Connuil suireach nan steud mear ’an cuibhreach ’us ceud d’ ar sluagh.
Deacair dhomhsa bhi ’am bruid a fhir a chobharas air caraid,
Ni ’n reidh dol an eangnamh a lainn ’s a ta le ’r cheangladh Conull.
Na smuanaich gun dol ’n a aghaidh, a righ nan gormlann graineil,
36 THE BOOK OF _. [ANOTENT.
A lawe croy gin lagga re nacht smoyn er heddyth is a gwreith
Cowchullin nyn sann lanni sleim noar a choala turyth connil
Di zlossa la trane a lawe di wraa skaille dyn wackawe
Innis downi er tocht id zailli a raig in tow nar ob tegwail
A liss raa in nawryth zoe fiss tarm ka di zowchiss
Dym zaissew er teacht wom hey gin skaili a zinsi zoew
Da ninsin di neach elli id zraith zinsin dare
Corrik rymsith is egin dud na skail ainsyth mir charrit
Gawsith zi royg a keyv lag ne gail tyigil vin chorrik
Ach na wea gne dighow nargenn a honchow aw ne herrin
A lawe zasga in dowss trot mo clow wea in nasge aggit
Heymon and dyr chon a chaill ni ta corrik a vanvaill
Na makan di tor a zwn in daltan croye layveith
Cowchullin is corrik eroye di wee in lay sen fa zemoye
A invak di marwe less in ter lat chalm coive zlass
Innis downni er cowe ni glass o teith fest for naildeis
Tarm is di lonni gi lom na terg a zulchin orrin
Is me conleich m¢ nocon ir zleith zown dalgin
Is me rown dakgis ym bron is tow ag skay di tollwm
Vii bleyn di waa ma horri fylwm zasga wom war
Ni classi ler horcher maa waa zessew a vylwum urma
Smenis cowchullin vor maik a v° ne in draich za chow
Gur smeine nar wraik feiltyth in ir a reyk a chwneith si chateive
A arrwm re corp no con di chow is beeg nor skarri
Re fagsin a cowlwoe a zlyn gasgeith zownyth dalgin
Mak sawalti mor a TETAS ne low ym broin it ta orrin.
Di.
Auctor hujus in keich O Cloan.
Hossna charrit a cloan freich hossne leich a gassil chroa
Hossna zaneni tursyth far agus da gwllin ban oge
Ag so har in carn fane wil freich m‘feich in ult woye
Fer a ryn bwychis byef is voe lontir carn freich
Gwl ein wna in crochin sor troe in skail fa wil a wan
Is say ver a hossna gyth trome Freich m‘Feich nyn golk sen
Is see in nyn wan di neig in gwle ag dwle da eiss gow cloan freich
Fynowr in olt chass ail inne voyve ga bead leicht
Innen orle is our folt is freich in nocht teive er heive
Ga mor far za derge ee neir zrawig se far ach freich
Foyis mewe mwe foye cardiss freich fa far a gleye
Inchuss fa craichtyth a corp trai gin locht a zanew zee
———— ee Se
eis oS ae
¥ es a
MODERN. } THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 37
A lamh chruaidh gun laige ri neach smuain air d’ oide ’us e’n cuibhreach.
Cuchulain nan seang lann sliom, ’n uair a chual’ e tuireadh Chonuil,
Do ghluais le treine a laimhe do bhreth sgeil de ’n mhacan.
Innis dhuinn air teachd a ’d dhail a ghraidh an tu na ’r ob teugbhail, .
A shlios reidh an abhraid dhuibh, fios d’ ainm, co do dhithchas ?
De ’m gheasaibh air teachd o’m thigh, gun sgeul a dh’ innseadh dh’ aoidh,
Da ’n innsinn do neach eile, a’d ghradhsa dh’ innsinn d’ araidh.
Comhrag riumsa is éigin duit, no sgeul d’ innseadh mar charaid,
Gabhsa do roghadh a chiabh lag, ni ciall tighinn gu ’m chomhrag.
Ach nior bhi gu tigeadh n’ar ceann a h-onchu agh na h-Eirinn,
A Jamh ghaisge an tis troid me chliu bhi an nasgaidh agad.
Tomanadar thun a chéile ni ta comhrag a bhanamhuil ;
Am macan gun d’ fhuair a ghuin, an daltan cruaidh lamhach.
Cuchullain is comhrag cruaidh do bhi an la sin fo dhiombuaidh,
A aon mhac do mharbhadh leis, an t-saor shlat chalm chaomhghlas.
Innis duinn ars’ ci nan cleas o tathas feasd fo ’r n-ailleas,
D’ ainm ’us do shloinneadh gu lom na teirig a dh’ fholchainn oirnne.
Is mi Conlaoch mac na con oighre dligheach Dhuin dealgain,
Is mi an rin d’ fhagas ’am broinn ’us tu aig Sgiath ’g ad fhoghlum,
Seachd bliadhna do bha mi shoir foghlum ghaisge o’m mhathair,
Na cleasa le ’r thorchair mi bha dh’ easbhuidh an fhoghluim orm.
Smuaineas Cuchulain ’n uair a dh’ eug, a mhac an dreach do chumhadh,
Gur smuain, ni breug, faoilte an fhir, do threig a chuimhne ’s a cheudfaidh,
A urram ri corp na Con a chumha is beag nach do sgar,
Ri faicinn an culthaobh a ghlinn gaisgeach Dhun dealgain.
Mac samhailt mor a fuaim ni luaidh am bron a ta oirnne.
Do.
Is e tghdair so an Caoch O’Cluain.
Osnadh charaid a Cluain Fraoich osnadh laoich a caiseal chro,
Osnadh dheanadh tuirseach fear agus da an guilionn bean 6g,
Ag so shear an carn far am bheil Fraoch mac Fithich an fhuilt mhaoith,
Fear a rinn buidheachas do Mhaoibh, ’us o ’n sloinntear carn Fraoich.
Gulaoin mhnath o ’n Chruachan shear, truagh an sgeul fa’m bheil a bhean,
Is e bheir osnadh gu trom, trom, Fraoch mac Fithich nan colg sean.
Ts i an aon bhean do ni an gul ag dol d’a fhios gu Cluain Fraoich,
Ainnir an fhuilt chaise aille, nighean Mhaoibh ri ’m bitheadh laoich.
Nighean Orla is dir folt us Fraoch an nochd taobh air thaobh,
Ge mor fear dha ’n d’éirich e nior ghradhaich i fear ach Fraoch.
Faigheas Maoibh mo fuath cairdeas Fhraoich fa fearr a ghné,
A chuis fa creuchtadh a chorp troimh gun lochd a dheanamh rithe ;
38 THE BOOK OF _ ANCIENT.
Do churre ai gussyth vass teif re mrave ne tuk o nolk
Mor a foor a hoyt la meyf innossit gyn khelk in noss. Hossni.
Kerin di weith er loch maie de chemist in trath za hass
Gith rae gach mee torri abbe de we er
Sasse bee in kero sin fa millsyth na milli a ulae.
De chonkfa a kerin derk far gin wey gi kend ix traa
Bleyn er heil gi ir di churri sin fa skail garve
Gi borin di lucht kneis froth a wess is e derk
Di wi ainsyth no zoi ga bea ley chawyr in tloye
Pest neif zo we no vonni vakki zi cath zol da woyn
Bein aslaynti throm throm ynnin ayith ni gorn seyr
Di curri lai fiss er freich feisrych kid hane ree
‘A durde meyve nach be slan mir woe lane i boss meith
Di cheyrew in loch oyr gin dwneni za woyna ach freich
Knossych reyve ne zarni mee er v‘feich gi knai zerg
Ge ger darnis ai er freich rachsit di vonni ker a veyf
Glossis freich fa fer a naye voyne zi nave er in locht. Hossni.
For a fest is ee na soynna is a kenna soss ris in noss
Freich mac feich an erma zeiar hanik one fest gin is dee
Hug a houlti ker nark ferrin roif meyf zaa tee
Ach gai math in duggis latti i durt meyf is gal crow
Ne oyr mis a leith loayn ach slat a woyan as a bonni
Togris freich is ner zilli teymmi naf a riss er in ling vak
Is ner ead ach ga mor ayze hech one vass in roive chwd
Gawiss i kerin er varri targi a cran as i raif
Toyrt doe choss zo in der mogrziss zo riss in pest
Beris er agis ai er snawf is gavis a lawf no chrissyth
Di zave sessin is er chail trow gin a skayn ag freich
Fynowr in olt chass ail di ran chwggi skan din oyr
Leddryth a phest a kness bayn is teskith a lawe er looe
- Di hudditeyr bone re bone er trae ni glach cor fo hass
Freich m‘feich is in fest troy a zai mir hug in dress
Ga coyrik ne coyrik car di ruk lass a kanna na lave
Mar chonik in neyn ee di choy na nail er in trae
Eris in neyn one tave gavis in laive bi laive bak
Ga ta so na cwt nyn nane is mor in teach i rin a voss
Voyn vass sen di foar in far loch mai go len din loch
A ta in tarm sen dee gi loan ga zerma in noss guss in noss. Hossni.
Berrir in sen gu cloan freich corp in leich gow kassil chroyg
Er in glan tuggi a anm is mark varris da loo
Carn lawe in carn so raym heive a lave reyth di beast sonni
Fer ner ympoo in dress fer bo zawsi nert in drot
Tnvin im bail ner ob zawe ym beddeis muan i torvirt fook
DE. ae ot ee ee
Fis hie aa
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 39
Do chuir i e gus a bhas, taobh ri mnathaibh ni tug o ’n ole,
Mor a phidhar a thuit le Maoibh inniseam gun cheilg a nis. Osnadh.
Caorthainn do bhi air Loch Maoibh do chimid an traigh do dheas,
Gach a ré ’us gach a mios toradh abuich do bhi air.
Seasamh bha an caora sin, fa millse no mil a bhlath,
Do chumadh a caoran dearg fear gun bhiadh gu ceann naoi trath,
Bliadhna air shaoghal gach fir do chuir sin is sgeul dearbh,
Gu ’m b’ fhoirinn do luchd chneidh brigh a mheas ’us e dearg.
Do bhi imcheist ’n a dheigh ge bith lighich a chobhradh an t-sloigh,
Béisd nimh do bhi ’n a bhun bh’ aca do chath dhol g’a bhuain.
Bhitheann an euslaint throm, throm, nighean Athaich nan corn saor,
Do chuireadh leath fios air Fraoch ; dh’ fhiosraich ciod ’thdinig rithe.
A dubhairt Maoibh nach bitheadh slan mar bitheadh lAn a boise maoith,
De chaoraibh an Loch fhuair, gun duine g’a bhuain ach Fraoch.
Cnuasachd riamh nior dheanadh mi ars’ mac Fithich nan gruaidh dearga,
Ge gur dheanas e air Fraoch racham do bhuain caor do Mhaoibh.
Gluaiseas Fraoch fa fear an digh uainn gu snimh air an Loch,
Fhuair e a bheisd ’us i ’n a suain us a ceann suas ris an dos. Osnadh.
Fraoch mac Fithich nan arm geur, thainig o ’n Bhéisd gun fhios d’i,
Thug e ultach de chaora dearg far an robh Maoibh dh’ a ti.
Ach ge maith na thugas leat, a dubhairt Maoibh is geal cruth,
Ni fhoghain dhomhsa, laoich luinn, ach slat a bhuain as a bhun.
Togras Fraoch is nior gille tioma snimh a ris air an linn bhog,
Us nior fhaod e ge mor ’agh, theachd o ’n bhas ’s an robh a chuid,
Gabhas an caorthuinn air bhirr, tarruingidh an crann as a fhreumh,
Toirt a chosan dha air tir mosglas da suas a Bhéisd.
Beireas air ’us e air snamh ’us gabhas a lamh ’n a craos,
Do ghabh esan ise air ghial, truagh gun a scian bhi aig Fraoch.
Ainnir an fhuilt chaise aille do rainig thuige le sgian de ’n dir,
Leadair a bhéisd a chneas ban ’us teasgadh a lamh air luath. .
Do thuiteadar bonn ri bonn air traigh nan clacha corr fa dheas,
Fraoch mac Fithich ’us a bhéisd truagh a Dhé mar thug an treis.
Ge comhrag ni comhrag gearr do rug leis a ceann ’n a laimh,
Mar chunnaic an nighean e do chaidh i ’n a neul air an traigh,
Hireas an nighean o ’n tamh gabhas an lamh bu lamh bog.
Ge ta so ’n a chuid nan eun, is mdr an t-euchd a rinn a bhos,
O ’n bhas sin do fhuair am fear, Loch Maoibh do lean air an loch,
A ta an t-ainm d’i gu luain ’g a ghairm a nuas gus a nis. Osnadh.
Beirear an sin gu Cluain Fraoich corp an laoich gu caiseal chro,
Air a ghleann thug e ainm, is mairg a mhaireas da éis bed.
Carn Laimh an carn so ri ’m thaobh is laimh rithe do bhitheas sona,
Fear nior iompaich an treise, fear a b’ annsa neart an trod.
Tonmhuinn beul nar ob daimh do m’ bitheadh mnathan a tabhairt phodg,
40 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
Invin tearn nyn sloye invin groye ner zerk in ross
Doigh no feach bar a olt derk a zroye no ful leicht
Fa meyni na kower schrowe gilli na in snacht kneas freicht
Cassi na in kaissnai olt gurm a rosg na yr lak
Derk na partain a wail gil a zaid na blai feich
Ard a ley na cranna swle beynni no teyd kwle a zow
Snawe di bar no freich cho di hene a heif re strow
Fa lannyth na koillith a skaith invin trae ve re drum
Coiffad a land is a lawe lanni cholk na clar zi long
Troye nach ann in gorik re leich di hut freich a fronni oyr
Durss sin a huttim la pest troe a zai nach marrin foss.
Hossni.
A houdir so Connil carnych m‘eddirschol.
A chonnil cha salve no kinn devin lum gyr zergkis tierm
No kinn di chw er a zad slontir lat no fir foe fyve
A neyn orgil nyn nach a evir oik ne bree binn
Sanna in nerik chon ni gless hugis loym in ness no kinn
Ka in kenn mallych zow mor dergkyth nayn ross a zroy glan
Is sai is gir zin lee clea a kenn deive ne raa dait
Kenn ree mee nyn nach loait arse m‘carbre nyn goith camm
Tn nerik mo zaltan fen hugis lwm in gayn a kenn
Kai in kenn oid er mye haale go volt fand gi malle sleime
Rosk mir erre dait mir vlait alda no cach crwth a kinn
Manne boe fir nyn nach makmeyf zi zrach gyth coyn
Dagis a chollin gyn kenna is di hwt wlle lum a loye
Ka in ken so zawis tow id laive a chonnil vor ne bae linn
O nach marrin kow nin gless keid verre how er less a kinn
Kann v‘erris nyn nacht verreyth a ceith gyth gurt
Mac mo fayr in tur hang di skarris a khenn ra chwrp
Ka in kenn od hear in nolt inn da greddyth no kinn go laive
Hurris annith er a zow gyn roveddir sal da rar
Sess a sowd di hwt in kow di rad a chorp fa wrow dass
Cow mac conna re nyn rann hugis lam a kenn ter aiss
Ka in da ken so is fadde mach a chonnil vor a vraa byig vinn
Er zraigh tenne na kel orn anym no ver a zon ne herm
Kenn leyirre is clar ewlte in da kenn di hut lem zonna
Di zon swt cowchullin charn swn zergis merm na wulle
Kai in da kenn so is fadde sorre a chonnil vor gi gal znee
Ennyn dae er volt ni verr derk in groye na ful leych
Cwllin bray is cwnlit croye deiss di verre boye lai ferk
AN ae hee ete ee ee ee
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MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 41
Tonmhuinn tighearn nan sluagh, ionmhuinn gruaidh nar deirge an ros,
Duibhe no fiach barr a fhuilt, deirge a ghruaidh no fuil laoich,
Bu mhine no cobhar srutha, gile no sneachd cneas Fhraoich,
Caise no an caisein ’fholt, guirme a rosg na oidhre leac,
Deirge no partan a bheul, gile a dheud no blath fiodh,
Ard a shleagh mar chrann sivil, binne no teud ciuil a ghuth,
Snamhaiche a b ’fhearr no Fraoch, cha do shin a thaobh ri sruth,
Bu leathainn no comhla a sgiath, ionmhuinn trath bhith ri druim,
Bu chomhfhad a lamh ’us a lann, leathainn a cholg no clar luinge,
Truagh nach b’ann ’an comhrag ri laoch do thuit Fraoch a bhronnadh oir,
Tuirse sin a thuiteam le Béisd, truagh a Dhe nach mairionn fds.
Osnadh.
Is e ughdair so Conull cearnach Mac Edarscoil.
A Chonuill, cha sealbh na cinn, deimhin leam gur dheargas d’airm,
Na cinn do chim air a ghad sloinntear leat na fir fo fhaoibh.
A nighean Fhorghuil nan each, A Eimhear oige na brigh binn,
Is ann an éiric Chon nan cleas, thugas leam an nios na cinn.
Co an ceann mullach donn mdr, deirge no’n rds a ghruaidh glan,
Is e a’s goire do ’n leth chli an ceann diubh nach d’atharraich dath ?
Ceann righ mi nan each luath, ars’ Mac Cairbair nan goith cam ;
An Gric mo dhaltan féin thugas leam an cein an ceann.
Co an ceann ud air m’ aghaidh thall, co folt fann gu mall sliom,
Rosg mar fheur, deud mar bhlath, ailde no gach cruth a cheann ?
Manadh b’e fear nan each, Mac an Aoife do chreachadh gach cuan,
Do fhagas a choluinn gun cheann us do thuit uile leam a shluagh.
Co an ceann so ghabhas tu a’d laimh a Chonuill mhdir nam baigh linn,
O nach marrainn Cu nan cleas ciod bheireadh tu air leas a chinn ?
Ceann mac Fherghuis nan each, bheireadh e cith gach gurt,
Mac mo pheathar an tur sheang do sgaras a cheann r’a chorp.
Co an ceann ud shear an fhuilt fhinn d@’ an greadadh na cinn gu “lAimh,
Fhuaireas aithne air a ghuth gun robhadar seal d’a reir ?
Sios an sud do thuit an Cu do rad a chorp fo bhri deas,
Cu mac coin rgh nan rann thugas leam a cheann tar ¢is.
Co an da cheann so is faide mach a Chonuill mhoir a bhreth bu bhinn,
Air ghradh teann na ceil oirnn ainm nam fear a ghuin na h-airm ?
Ceann Laoghaire ’us clar Chuilt an da cheann do thuit le’m ghuin,
Do ghuin sud Cuchullin ceairn, sonn dheargas m’airm ’n a fhuil.
Co an da cheann so is faide soir, a Chonuill mhoir gach geal ghniomh,
Tonnan dath air folt nam fear deirge an gruaidh no fuil laoich ?
Cullain breagh ’us Cunnlaid cruaidh dithis bheireadh buaidh le feirg,
42 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
A evyr seid sor a kinna dagis a gwrp fa linna derk
Ka ne vi kinn so solk maine de chewe feyn er mye hoyth
Gwrm in nye dwe a volt o hilla rosg connil croye
Sessir eascardin a chow chlann challidtein a mwe znaie
Ts said sud in sessir leyve a hut lwm sin nerm no laive
A chonnil vor aithr ree kayn in ken od da gallith catht
Gin or fai treilse wa keyand gyn codyth slem ghardyth vart
Kenna v‘finn v‘rosse roye v‘necnee hor bas lam nert
A evir is se so a cheud ardree layyn nyn land brak
A chonnil vor mugh a skail creid a hut lad laive gin locht
Din tloe eignyth a veil sin a deiltiss kinn na con
Deachnor is seacht fychid kead derym peyn is awyr sloe
Di hut lomsa drwme er zrum di neve mo ewlk cunlaa rag
A chonnil kynis taidda mnae inssefail dessne ni con
Cowf v‘hawalt haye na veil agga fein ar for
A evir keid di zarna mai gyn mo kowe ym rer san socht
Gyn mo zaltan fa mhaa crow a dol voym a mugh son...
A chonnil tok me sa vert tok mo lacht oss lacht no con
Os da chowe rachfen ayk ewr mo vail re bail no con
Is mai evyr is keyn dalve ne feine sarve daylta zoive
Di zerr no cha nul mo spess troe murreich er eiss a chon.
A chonnil.
A howdir so Keilt m‘ronane.
Heym tosk zoskla fynn gow tawri ni draive nevin
Gow hormy moyr mhorlat mhirr gow cormik mart inir :
Ner cleacht me meith my zloon orss afwllych fer eddrwme
Gi waldeis feynyth fail oss word locht a foyall
Warwemir in leich lan mir a warwemir in craye
Di charmisdir leich fane lay mir a charssmir a ray
Hugssmir a cann gin cherri guss a gnok oss boyamir
Di rynis feyn boya tra di roynis fogryth owlay
Di warwiss mun er zlinn fer gi inwal in nerrin
Di roynissi boya tra di roynissi fogryth owlay
Di raddis mun er zlinn gwl gi inte in nerrin
Di roynissi boya tra di royniss fogryth owlay
Ni leith di legin fa boywa doybis sin nerrin awwor ;
Di roynissi boya tra di royniss fogryth owlay
Ni dorssa er a beith a zeith zark a dosslin ead gi hymard
Di roynissi boya traa di royniss fogry owlay
Ni gurt abbe um halvon di loskgin ead gu lassal
OO
ee ee, eo wee
eS
o re - es eee e
| MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. | 43
A Eimhear sud soir an cinn do fhagas an cuirp fo linne dearg.
Co na sé cinn so is ole méin do chitheam féin air m’ aghaidh thuath,
Gorm an aghaidh, dubh am folt, o thilleadh rosg Chonuill chruaidh ?
Seisir eascairdean a Choin, clann Chaileidin nam buaidh ghnath,
Is iad sud an seisir laoich a thuit leam ’s an airm ’mo laimh.
A Chonuill mhdir athair righ co an ceann ud do ’n geilleadh cath,
Gur orbhuidh trillis o ’cheann co ’n comhdach sliom dh’ airde bheart,
Ceann mhic Fhinn mhic Rois ruaidh mhic na Cneidh fhuair bas le ’m
A Eimhear is e so a cheud, ardrigh Laighein nan lann breac. _[neart,
_ A Chonuill mhdir, migh an sgeul, creud a thuit le’d laimh gun lochd,
De ’n t-sluaigh eagnaidh a bheil sin a dioltas cinn na Con ?
Deichnear ’us seachd fichead ceud deiream féin is aireamh sluaigh,
Do thuit leamsa druim air dhruim, do nimh mo cholg conla rag,
A Chonuill, cionnus taid mnathan Innsefail an deigh na Con,
Cumha a mhic shamhailt tha na bheil aca féin air foir ?
A Eimhear ciod a dheanadh mi gun mo Chu a ’m reir s’ an Soe
Gun mo dhaltan fa maith cruth a dol uam ’am mugh an nochd,
A Chonuill tog mi ’s an fheart, tog mo leac os leac na Con,
Os d’a chumhadh rachaim eug, cuir mo bheul ri beul na Con.
Is mi Eimhear is caoine dealbh, ni faigheam searbh dioltadh dhomh,
Do dheur nocha n ’eil mo speis, truagh m’ fhuireach air ¢is a Chon.
A Chonuill.
Is e tghdair so Caoilte Mac Ronain.
Chaidheam tosg a dh’ fhuasgladh Fhinn, gu Teamhra nan sreabh aoibhinn,
Go h-airm a’m faighear’ bhodrrshlat mhear, guCormaig Mac Airt aoin fhir,
Nior chleachd mi maidheamh mo ghlonn ger fuileach fior eutrom,
Gu bheildeis Fianna Fail os bhord Locha Feabhuil.
Mharbhamair an laoch lan, mar a mharbhamair an Cuireach,
Do chearbmasdair laoch fa liach, mar a chearbsamair an triath,
Thugsamair ceann gun choire, gus a chnoc os Buadhamair.
Do rinneas féin buaidh trath, do rinneas fogradh ullamh,
Do mharbhais mun fhear ghrinn fear gach aon bhaile an Eirinn.
Do rinneas buaidh trath do rinneas fogradh ullamh,
Do radas mwn fhear ghrinn gul gach aon tigh ’an Eirinn,
Do rinneas buaidh trath do rinneas fogradh ullamh.
Na laoigh do leigeann fa buaibh do bhitheas an Eirinn aghmhor.
Do rinneas buaidh trath do rinneas fogradh ullamh.
Na dorsan air am bitheadh a ghaoth dhearg do fhosglann iad gu h-iom-
Do rinneas buaidh trath do rinneas fogradh ullamh. [ard.
Na guirt abuich mu thalmhainn, do loisgeann iad gu lasail.
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Di roynissi boya tra di royniss fogryth owlay __
Noch char aggis reim linn aa na mullin in nerrin
Insin di leyggiddir rwm eech albin is errin
Teym boach er loyss mi chass gr ranegiss ross illirzlass
Tn sin glossimsi schear gow taura ni widdir chane
Ner harrin eine each zeive zea roym in dawra za essin
Tugis in dawra fa laa ben in ir chommi za cheilli
Is ben in r chomisso nach gwss in fer commisso ella
Tugis in dawri gi beach ben carbre zi cormik
Is ben chormik er sin di raddis ee zi charbre
Tugis lwm claywa in reith uch fa hay mor a wree
Mi clawe feyn fa gin gutti fagwm in droyl chulk chormik
In sin di quhoyis in nwnn is eaddi in dorsser owym
Inn nygyth sin doef ge beacht is me bi kyllor ze chormik
Is bert ooklachis is tei hawle a vaonissi reith errin
Ga zaynith leve raa mi zloor da hwle cheilt yn kyllnor
Na habbirsi sen er finn er ardre ny feyn voltynn
Ga tamsi in layve id tei na ber tar er my wntir
Ni hay sin agne cheilt far a will ay in vorwilty
Cha mir sen ay connil chynni er a wll dor er talvinn
In sin tarnik in toylli ag in re ro zast rawor
tr choss geym in genn ni genn teym less a is tee cotkin
In sin chayis fa zass di bi wlyg ay di maylass
Aggis tuggis lwm ym zoyn kone esgin ard orwayll
Kynit lwm in nee riss a ben ers in re fati firzlinn
Balli kness cheilti za zoyn di chone essgin orwoyl
Na habbirsi sen a re er wiss in ryth a zillin
Brarryth broggodych a derri corsi hoich er orvidi
Er a layve a keilt chaylle mir wee finn flaa eyni
Gid tani ne hurfin gyle derrow albin no errin
Er maneach do gi beacht a deaffryth mis zi chormik
Gawa tow cow thlaa woyme zoskla mydda
Ne warrir fin lat id te er ane chowe er talwon
Ach ane chow a keilt chaye da bi toylling tow faywayll
Da waya a tow zoif re lay lawnon woada di gi feyane
Di zoyve tow hed er gi cart cowe ewnnvill
Di nasgis in brar mir er chormik m° art inir
Gin leggi gi ray in re da waya ay ni feyweill
Mar nasgis in brar beynn er re errin ni nwlt inn
In deymsow gar zeggir royve heymsyth ze in dymf
Glossim turriss o hawre fa turriss fr gi mannee
Do hymsow ni heltin gar skeltyth a chwddychi
Tuggis lwm ii zelt zark is ii znew ignyth ym ard
el ee a Og eee
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MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 45
Do rinneas buaidh trith, do rinneas fdgradh ullamh.
Noch char fhaiceas ri ’m linn 4th no muileann an Eirinn.
An sin do leigeadar rium eich Albainn ’us Eirinn ;
Teighim bed air luathas mo choise gur rainigeas Ros Iolair ghlais,
An sin gluaiseamsa siar gu Teamhra an fhidireachdainn,
Nior thedruinn aon each dhiubh dhe, romham in Teamhra do esan.
Tugas in Teamhra fa leth, bean an fhir choma dh’ a chéile,
’Us bean an fhir choma so gun achd gus an fhear choma so eile.
Tugas an Teamhra gu beachd bean Chairbair do Chormaig,
’Us bean Chormaig an sin do radais i do Charbair.
Tugas leam claidheamh an Righ, Och! fa h-e mor a bhrigh,
Mo chlaidheamh féin bha gun chuid fagaim an truaill chuilg Chormaig.
An sin do chaidheas a nunn ’us eideadh an dorsair faigheam,
An oidhche sin domh gu beachd is mi bu chvinnleir do Chormaig,
Is beart oglachais ’us ti h-amhuil am fianuis righ Eirinn,
Ge iognadh leibh radh mo ghldir, da shtil Chaoilte ’am choinnleir.
Na h-abairse sin ars’ Fionn ars’ ardrigh na Feinn folt-fhionn, .
Ged thathamsa an laimh a’d ti na beir tair air mo mhuinntir.
Ni h-e sin aigne Chaoilte fear a bheil e ’am moralachd
Cha mar sin e coinneal chain air a bheil d’dr air talmhainn,
An sin tairngeadh an t-dl aig an righ ro ghasta ro mhor,
Ceithir chois cheum an ceann nan ceann, teighim leis ’us ti an coitchionn,
An. sin chaidheas fa dheas, do bu bhladh e de m’ aimhleas,
Agus tugas leam a’m dheoin caoin éisginn ard fhuarail,
Tognadh leam an ni ris a bhean ’ars an righ fead fiorghrinn,
Boladh cneas Chaoilte do gheibhean de’ chaoin éisginn fhuarail.
Na h-abairse sin a righ, ars’ mise an riochd a ghille,
Briathran bragaideach a deir thu, gur airidh air oirmhide.
Air do laimh a Chaoilte chail mar bhi Fionn flath Fheinne,
Ged ta mi ni thoirinn geill d’ fhearaibh Albainn no Eirinn.
Air m’ aithneach’ da gu beachd, do fhedraich mis de Chormaig,
An gabhadh tu cumha tlath uam air fhuasgladh m’ oide ?
Ni bheirear Fionn leat a’d thi air aon chumha air talmhainn,
Ach aon chumha, a Chaoilte chaidh, da bu thualainn duit fhaigheal ;
Da ’m faigheadh tu dhomh re la, lanamhain uait de gach fiadhmhuin,
Do gheibheadh tu d’ oide air gu ceart an cumha a chumail.
Do naisgeas am briathar mear air Cormag Mac Airt aoin fhir,
Gun leigeadh gu réidh an righ, da faigheadh e ’na fiadhmhil,
Mar a naisgeas am briathar binn air righ Eirinn an fhuilt fhinn,
An tiomsachadh ge dheacair riamh, thionnsgainn d’a dheanamh.
Gluaiseam turus o Theamhra, fa turus fir mu’ n iath,
Do thiomsachadh na h-ealtainn ger sgaoilteach a chuideachd,
Tugas leam da gheilt gharg, ’us da ghriobh ioghnach iomard,
46
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Aggis fey fy za won ii lach sin loch a seyllin
1 hynnith sleyveewllin ii zaw awlle a burrin
II zessivey zowrane zurm ii chellych fey a farzhram
m hyane kylty creive di latteve zrom zawrein —
II zoyvrane o hen a mach o charri donnwane doyvr
11 eillin o thrae leith lee ii rulli a port larga
1m snekga on vrostna wane ii anoyk chargad .. .
1 eachte one eachte ard ii smoyrych lettreth lom ard
1 zroyllane downe yve ii cheinkych ni corywe
1 chur one chorrin cleyth ii harreich mwe o foyall
1 illir chargi ni glach ii hawik a keyndyth
m1 fess o locht melwa ii cherk ussga o locht erne
1 cherk reich one vowna math ii zergin zow locha
1 chreithrane mw cowlin ii wentane my foyllin
1 cheythane a glenn awlle ii zalvon ni sen awle
1 phedda oywrri a claa ii onchon o chroda claach
II zoyane o thrae za wan ii erboyk loychir yr
11 chollum one chess chur ii lon a lettir fin chwle
1 eddoyk letter roye ii thrudda tawrych teyve oyr
11 choneyn a schee doe doynn ii wuk awlde cloyth chur
11 choyag 0 zrom dave ii ane oywryth layn de
11 yghrgane lanenyth furrith ii chreithir one chreive roye
u sperr hawk in swn o cleyve gla ii loch lay o lwnycht
II-oyr ane one woyn ii ussock on vownych wor
1 oynlayk a hon chnoyth ii brok a creich ollonych
1 rynith strayth sinnyth ii zlassoyk o wroch urri
11 chrottych o chonych zawlwe ii weil won wor hawni
1 earrinnyth philloyrrych ii awllinnych seith boygh
II zassidi one wyg wylle ii cheith cheinekyche chnaw chyle
11 woyok 00 wrowych brn ii neiskin 0 zowdyr
II zerrin o leyve za ane da chyill wreane turle
1I annan ar o wy walg ii chonlane zatta o zranard
1I zrin zarrych o zruing ii vronargane on vor cheyyl
i wlyrrych o zowne ni barga ii elli zalle on zaltraach
II royin o challow charga ii wuk war on worarga
11 eskar locht m‘lanene ii zarzart my ni nellane
11 ane vek o wess a chwle ii eggin ess v‘mowrn
1 ellit zlinni zlinn smoyl ii woyif o haach mow mor
1m onchon loyath o loch conn ii eychat a hoyw chroychin
11 chyraa schee zoyvlane zil ii vuk vwlcow vlyr
Rath is ker chorkrych chass tugis lwm o einnis
Tugis lum each agis lar di zrey vassych vanynane
Tarve is bo zarri o zrwm kein tugis lwn o wurn vunchane
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MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 47
Agus fithich Fiodh dha bheann, da lach sin Loch a Seillein,
Da shionnach Sleibh Chuilinn da dhamh allaidh a Burrainn,
Da cheis. Fiodh dhobhrain ghuirm, da choilleach fiodha Faradhruim,
Da thaghan Coillte chraoibh, de lethtaobh Dhruim dha raoin,
Da dhobhrain o sin a mach, o charaig Donabhain dobhair,
Da fhaolan o thraigh Locha Léith, da Shruall a Port Lairge.
Ceithir snag o’n Bhrosna bhan, da eanag Charga dain,
Da eachta o’n Eachta ard, da smeorach Leitir lom ard,
Da dhreollan o’n Din aoibh, da chaingeach o’n Choire dhuibh,
Da chor o’n Chorrainn cleibh, da earfhiach Magha Feabhuil,
Da iolar Chairge nan clach, da sheabhag Fiodh Chonnach,
Da fheis o Locha Meilghe, da cheare uisge o Loch Eirinn,
Da cheare fraoich o’'n Mhonadh mhaith, da dhearcan Dhubh-locha,
Da chriochran Maigh Cuillin, da mhiontan Maigh Tuallainn,
Da chaochan o Ghleann Ghaibhle, da ghealbhan na sean Abhla,
Da pheata odhar Athcliath, da onchoin o Bhroit cliathach,
Da dhuibhean o Thraigh dha bhan, da earbag Luachair Ire
Da cholum o’n Cheas Chuir, da lon a Leitir Fionnchuil,
Da pheatag Leitir ruaidh, da thruid a Teamhra Taoibh uaine,
Da choinein a Sith dubh donn, da mhue alta Cluaidh Chuir,
Da chuthag o Dhroma Daibh, da eun odhar o Lainde,
Da adharcan Leanain na Furraich, da chreabhair o’n Chraobh ruadh,
Da speirag an sin o Shliabh glé, da luch liath o Luimneach,
Da dhobhran o’n Bhuain, da uiseag on Mhonadh mhor,
Da ialltag o uaimh Chnuadha, da bhroc o Chrioch Ullanach,
Da thraghna Srath Sinne, da ghlasag o Bhruach bhiora,
Da chrotach o chuain Ghailimh, da mhiol o’n Mhuirtheimhne,
Da fherain Fiodh luachraich, da thallan a Sith buidhe,
Da gheasadich o’n Mhagh mhall, da chith cheangach a Chnamh choille,
Da bhuidheag o’n Bhruthach brugh, da neasgain 0 Dhubh dur,
Da dheargan o Shliabh dha eun, da chathail Bhraigh an Turla,
Da eun an ar o Mhagh bhuilg, da ghobhlan daithte o Ghranard,
Da ghriobh garrach o Ghruing, da bhroinndheargan o’n mhor choille,
Da bhliorach o Dhun nam bare, da eala gheala o’n Ghealtraigh,
Da ruadhan o Chala Chairge, da mhuc mara o’n mhor fhairge,
Da easgair Loch M‘Leanan, da ghearrghart Maigh nan eilean,
Da eun bheag o Mhios a Chuil, da eagan Eas Mhic Muirne,
Da eilid ghlan Ghlinne Smeoil, da bhuaibh o Achadh Maigh Moire,
Da onchon luath o Loch Con, da fhiadh-chat o h-Uaimh Chruachain,
Da chaora Sith Dhoibhlain ghil, da mhuc de mhucaibh M‘Lir,
Reith ’us caora chorcrach chas tugas leam o Innis,
Tugas leam each agus lar de ghreidh mhaisich Mhananain,
Tarbh ’us bo dhair o Dhruim Cain tugas leam o Mhuirn Mhuinchain,
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Do chonni di chonnew ni wane di hir cormik orrum gi dane
Gi neith zar chursin ym chenn tugis lwm is teym ~—— [Teym
Er in dymsychyth ull doyf gow lar ane ew
Nor a baillwme a meyow zobbredir voyme ach skeillych
Di choy in feaych woym o zess di bi wlya dom awles
Di rukgis er in glenn da wan o orrir loch a lurgin
Di quhoy mi lach fa layve nach chussit faywail
Ter schroyow berwe brass gow aych inn zowlass
Di zowis e er wrawit gin ger walaa heach hanye
Tugis lwm ee lach gin wacht dosli fin o chormik
Ne fooris zolk roya heg rwm nyg ve me boa
Cha deyd ass mi chree chinn gin nawleggir may in dalvon
Lass ane nane beg lassane nane dolle a chass ymon
Er gi tullych er gi ay cor fa lawe ag lassyn ane
I chonwaille fynn ag in layve er seiltin gin ead wawne
Is vin zeyntyth ay sin de hoyrt er a gowe dinn fosslow zoywayl
In dymsychow sin mir sin ner toylling fir in doythin
Tugis ead gow taura lwm gow mowr a vor hyle
Doss gi zokkir a kin oppir ead in nyich sin
Caythir a wee si walli er ix dorss fossgillyth
Cormik hug zeyve in teacht mir zoy ym bea gi skei
Mir chonni may za gwryth sin wrow arsing ill wrunych
Legga brudlychyth gawe vin a guddichtyth greithane
Huggi ay brow slatzall sollis doyf er chegit fre zorre
Gi in dorris deyve downtyth ner way in soyve cond in. . ,
Ead sin is tee gi bronych miss a mwe gi anoyith
Mi chree cowe connis fa la er gi in dorris
Ga mor nolk forris royth wonyth skeythow choolyth
Ner leigis ane deyve a mach gi tra erre in in varrich
Anmi ny hyrri skeiltyth a chorymryth keilta
Ach a wag sin teyve ra teyve ne dor chormik za soyve
Nor a leggi finn a mach di skeillidir gi skeiltytht
Cha deacha deis na trear wo hawra zeive erin...
Mi reith feyn agus reach fenn merrolta cheme wass mi chinn
Ni tre neachin fa darryth zoyve ni troyth sin di hymsichow.
We skay zoym er mi clow creddwm in crist is ow
Mimirche ass in ew inn gar vewwm Ilwm ne weym.. .
Gar wadda mi leymsi har in dawr lochra ni wayn,
Is fadda in laym rugis ter xx kead try in dawr
In sen fa lowwr mi leym wagis si viddircheyn
Gin ach bar mi choss a geill mawl gith tosk er deym.
Teym tosk.
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 49
Da chon de chonaibh na Fiann, do shir Cormaig orm gu dian,
Gach ni dha ’r chuir sin a ’m cheann, tugas leam a ’s teigheam,
Air an tiomsachadh uile.domh gu lar aon mhaigh,
"N_ uair a b’aill leam am maigheadh dh’ obairidear uam gu sgaoilteach,
Do chaidh am fiach uam o dheas, do bu bhlagh do ’m aimhleas,
Do rugas air an Gleann da bhan, o oirthir Loch a Lurgain,
Do chaidh mo lach fa laimh, nach usa faighail,
Thar sruthaibh beirbh brais, gu Achainn dubh ghlais,
Do ghabhas i air bhraghaid, gun gur mhaith leath theachd thugam,
Tugas leam an lach gun achd, d’ fhuasgladh Fhinn o Chormaig.
Na fhuaras a dh’ ole roimh thig rium am feadh a thamhas mi bed,
Cha teid as mo chridhe chionn gun adhlaicear mi an talmhainn ;
Leis an eun bheag leis an eun, ’dol a chas ioman,
Air gach tulaich ’us gach feath, ’cur fa lamh aig leis an eun.
E ’cumail Fionn aig an laimh, air saoiltinn gun iad fhaighinn,
Us o’n dh’ aontaich sin do thoirt air a chumha d@’ Fhionn fhuasgladh,
An tiomsachadh sin mar sin nior tuallainn fir an domhain.
Tugas iad gu Teamhra leam gu maor a mhor thalla.
Domhsa gu docair a chionn, obair fad na h-oidhche sin,
Caithir do bhi ’s a bhaile air naoi dorsaibh fosgailteach ;
Cormaig thug dhoibh an teach mar gheibheam bhi gu sgith.
Mar chunnaic mi g’an cur, s’a bhrugh fharsuinn uile bhreun,
Leigeadh bruaidleanachd garbh o’n a chuideachd grianach,
Thug e brugh slatgheal soluis domh air caogad fri dhorus,
Gach aon dorus diubh duinte nior bhi an saoibh .. .
lad sin a ’s ti gu broénach mis a muigh gu anaobhach ;
Mo chridhe cumhadh connais fa leth air an dorus,
Ge mor an t-olc fhuaras roimhe o na sgiathaibh chuallaidh
Nior leigeas a h-aon diubh a mach gu trath Giridh a mharaich,
Ainm a chorra sgaoiltich “ Corr imirce”’ Chaoilte,
Ach am faicinn taobh ri taobh ni ’n d’fhuair Corie de shoman.
’N uair a leigeadh Fionn a mach, do sgaoileadar gu sgaoilteach,
Cha deachaidh dithis no triar, o Thamhra dhoibh air aon rian.
Mo ruith féin agus rath Fhinn miorbhuil chitheam os mo chionn,
Na tri nithean fa d’éirich dhomh, an treud sin do thiomsachadh.
Bu sgiath dhomh air mo chlit, creideam an Criosd, ’us thu,
M4mirce as a mhagh, Fhinn, ge ’r bhitheam lom ni bhitheam fann,
Ge ’r fada mo leumsa shear, an Tamhra laochruidh na Feinn,
Is fad an leum thugas siar, fichead ceud troidh an Tamhra.
An sin bu leobhar mo leum, am facas ’s a mheidir-chein
Gun ach bar mo chois a geillt’, mall gach tosg air an teigheam.
Chaitheam.
eo Deo “pa fee
te
‘
:
4
#
:
P
a
50
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Gun ainm Ughdair.
Id ta fane tullych so toye m¢ veckowle is groy colk
M‘dadzail neyn in derk nach tug ra erk braeir borb »
Id ta fane tullych so dess m‘vec goyne kness mir wlay
Cha dor sai nach fa neith in gress noch char veine yth law
Id ta fa tullych horryth ossgyr bi vath gol is gnee
Clan morn gai math ni fir noch char chur sai sen im bree
Id ta fa tullych so har gillyth bi van less nyth mnawe
M‘ronane dor weyth clar fane tallych soo har id ta
Id ta fane tullych so foyme innor vyth von groik is grane
Connan dyth zaf gyth murn fa tullych fume id ta.
Id ta.
A zorRI tryillmyt gow find ighilk ernacht sowch linn
Zarre kinn zulle er in ree gyn gurmist aye gai keive cleith
Is lesk lumsyth zwle anna onach clwnnwn gr fan chenna
Is nach feadmist a zeilt kenna v‘morn vor znewe :
Kail lusse ne is allwm pen id durd conan mor gyn keale
Marmy for mach gyth dunna in deilt zwle olt voe
Suyth in trur var mon din nane onach lamyt di zin fen —
Abbir a zorre is lawr fayr sinni sin trom alle
Marvesyth ossin mor m‘fyn marve mai in tosgir nach teymmi
Marve dyrre kilte kaye fayir sinni wlle er in lawe
Matht is aggwm ne veis anna cha dik linna movil er finn
Tuttmy ulle sin alle cha dikge gowle dr gowrne
Da byth inni byth le a nort dyth churmist finni za leacht
Is ferr nyth brar gyn nelle a derssi rwt a zorre.
A zorre.
A houdir so ——.
Laa zane deach Finn di zoill in nalwe is ner ymmit sloyg
Sessir bann is sessir far Iyn zhil is anneir ucht zaall
Finn fayn is Dermoit gin on keilt is ossain is oskir
Conan meithl] gom maal er myg agus mnan nin vi leith sen
Mygin is ban einn bi zane is annir ucht zall mi wan feyn
Gormlay aolli is dow rosg neaof is neyn enneiss
Nor a zoyf meska no mnan tugsiddir in gussi raa
a ~
ane a.
nO de, Salt we: ti Samra
re
J .
ee ey
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 51
Gun ainm Ughdair.
A ta fo ’n tulach so tuath, Mae mhic Cumhail a’s cruaidh colg,
Mac deudgheal nighinn an Deirg, nach tug r ’a fheirg briathar borb.
A ta fo ’n tulach so deas, Mac mhic Cuinn, cneas mar bhlath,
Cha d’ fhuair se neach fa ni, ’an greas nochar mhin a lamh.
A ta fo ’n tulach so shoir, Osgar bu mhaith goil ’us gniomh,
Clann Moirn ged is maith na fir, nochar chuir e sin am brigh.
A ta fo ’n tulach so shiar, gille bu mhiann leis na mnathaibh,
Mac Ronain do fhuair a bhith clara, fo ’n tulach so shiar a ta.
A ta fo ’n tulach so fodham, am fear a bhi o ’n ghruaig is grain,
Conan do gabh gach muirn, fo’n tulach fodham a ta.
A ta,
A GHORAIDH, triailamaid gu Fionn a ghilleachd air nach subhach leinn,
A db’iarraidh cinn Ghuill air an righ gun cuirmaid e gu caomh cli.
Ts leise leamsa dhol ann o nach cluinneam gur fa ’n cheann,
Is nach faodmaid a dhiolt, ceann Mhic Moirn mhoir ghniomh. _
Naile leatsa ni is aill leam féin a dubhairt Conan mor gun chiall,
Marbhaidh mi air magh gach duine an diolt Ghuill fholt bhuidhe féin.
Suidhichidh an tritr armuin d’an Fheinn, o nach lamhamaid do Fhinn,
Abair a Ghoraidh ’us labhair faighear sinn ’s an trdm aile,
Marbhais Ossian mér M‘Fhinn marbhaidh mi an t-Osgar nach tioma,
Marbhaidh Daoire Caoilte caidh, faighear sinn uile air an laimh.
Maitheas agam ni bhitheas ann, cha tig leinn modhail air Fionn,
Tuiteamaid uile ’s an aile, cha tig Goll’ gar cobharne.
Da bed Fhinn bithidh le a neart do chuirmaid Fionn d’a leac, -
Is fior na briathran gun fhoill a deirsa ruit, a Ghoraidh.
A Ghoraidh.
An t-ughdair so ——.
La dh’ an deachaidh Fionn a dh’ ol, an Alwha ’us nior iomadh sluaigh,
Seisir bhan ’us seisir fhear inghin gheal ’us ainnir uchd-gheal,
Fionn féin ’us Diarmad gun on Caoilte ’us Oisian ’us Osgar,
Conan maol gu mall air magh, agus mnathan nan sé laoch sin,
Maigheaneas bean Fhinn bu dein, ’us ainnir uchd-gheal mo bhean féin,
Gormlaidh aoile is dubha rosg, Naoimh ’us nighean Aonghuis.
"N uair a ghabh misge na mnathan, tugsadar an cuis réidh,
§2
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Nach royf er in. doythin teg sessir ban in goyth inrylk
A dowirt an nynnilt gyn on is Tulych carnich in doythin
Ga maath sewse is ymmith ban nach drynn fes ach re in ar
Gerrid er ve zawe mir sen tanik in van dar rochtin
Kin wrata wmpa gin alda agus e na iyn naygh
Tanik neyn a wrata inn an vaenissi v‘kowle
Banichis din re gin non agis swis na arrygh
Feafryth finn skail zyi din neyn lwchr lawzill
A wan a wrat gin alda keid a rad ow is tein naygh
As giss dym wrat gin alda ban ann ac na ennaygh
Nocht chay naygh dein fame wrat ach ben in ir gyn ralocht
Tawir ym brat dym wreith feyn do ter conane mor gyn chaele
Go westmist im brear mir a twg na mnawe wo chanew
Gawis ben chonnane ym brat is curris wmpa la rachta
Gom bea sen an loyth locht dar lek rys wlle a gall ocht
Mir a chonnik connan meil ym brat er cassyth fa teyf
Tawris in chreissyth gin neaf agis marveis in neyn
Gavis ben dermoit a zeil ym brat wo wrei chonnan meil
Noch char farr a wassi zyi cassi ym brat fa keiyf
Gawis ben oskyr na zey ym brad coo adda coyve ray
Ga loyvir skayth a wrat inn noch char ally a hymlyn
Gawis myghinis gi aal ym brad is di churri fa cann
Di chass is di chwar mir sen ym brat gi loa fa clossew
Tawir ym brata er m‘raa dym wneissi is ne cwss clae
Go vestmist in ness gon non tres elli da hymlit dewe
Di warynsi brair riss agis ne brair eggiss
Nach darnis di weiss ri far ach dol dutsi in neiss lenew
Nochtis ben vek ree a teef curris umpi ym brat fer chei . .
A sayth eddir chass is lawe na gi ley er a lwdygnane
Ane phoik doaris in braed 0 wak o zwyne darmit
Di reissi ym brad owm laar mor wea see na hynnirrane
Tawrew mi wrat doyf a wnaa is me nein in derg zrana
Noch cha dernis di locht ach fess ri finn fyvir noch
Ber mo wallych is ymith woygin se der m‘kowle gin boy
A dagis fa mhaalych er mnawe na tyr huggin ane lay.
Lay.
Coya lwm ymich ochtyr chor tocht er my venmyn
Cut da nymich cha chellwm gin gur wellwm gi calmi
Oskir is keilt crowith is mlowith fa moltyr
Finn agis Dermit deadzale quogr leyttych zar nochtyr
iii das parma
—
Soe
, Oe ee
sa
Pee ee eee eS Ce ee eT, enn
Rs i eS
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Nach robh air an domhain ti seisir bhan ann cho ionraic,
A dubhairt an innilt gun on is tulach cearnach an domhain,
Ge maith sibhse is iomadh bean nach d@’ rinn fios ach ri aon fhear.
Goirid air bhi dhoibh mar sin thainig a bhean d’ ar rochdain ;
Aon bhrat uimpe gun alt agus e ’n a aon fheadh,
Thainig nighean a bhrat f hinn am fianuis Mhic Cumhail,
Beannaicheas do ’n righ gun on agus suidheas ’n a fhaireadh,
Fedraicheas Fionn sgeul dhith, de ’n nighinn lithor lamhghil,
A bhean a bhrat gun alt ciod a rad tu.as d’ aon fheadh ?
Is geas do ’m bhrat gun alt bean ann ach ’n a aon digh
Noch cha-n fhaigh dion fo ’m bhrat ach bean an fhir gun ro lochd.
Tabhair am brat do ’m mhnaoi féin a deir Conan mor gun chéill, -
Gun éisdeamaid am briathar mear, a thug na mnathan a chianaimh,
Gabhas bean Chonain am brat, a chuireas uimpe le rachd,
Gum b’e sin an luath lochd, ’n uair leig ris uile a geal uchd.
Mar a chunnaic Conan maol, am brat air casadh f’a taobh,
Gabhas a chraoiseach gu nimh, agus marbhas an nighean,
Gabhas bean Dhiarmaid a ghaoil, am brat o mhnaoi Chonain mhaoil,
Noch char fearr a bhasa dhith, casaidh am brat f’a ciabh.
Gabhas bean Osgair ’n a déigh, am brat co fhada caomh réidh,
Ge leobhar sgiath am brat fionn, noch char fholaich a h-imlinn,
Gabhas Maigheanas gu h-aille, am brat ’us do chuireas f’a ceann,
Do chas us do chuair mar sin, am brat gu luath f’a cluaisibh.
Tabhair am brat ars’ Mac Reith, do ’m mhnaoi-sa ni cuis cleith,
Gu éisdeamaid a nis gun on, treis eile d’a h-iomlaid domh.
Do bheirinnse briathar ris, agus ni briathar eigis,
Nach dearnas de fhios ri fear, ach dol duitse an aois leinibh,
Nochdas bean Mhic Reith a taobh, cuireas umpa am brat fionn,
A soigh eadar chos ’us lAmh, na gu leth air a luideinean,
Aon phdg d’ fhuaireas am braghad o Mhac O’Dhuine, Diarmad.
Do ruitheas am brat o um lar mar bhi si ’n a h-aonaran.
53
Tabhraibh mo bhrat domh a mhnathan, is mi nighean an Deirg ghraine,
Noch cha dearnas de lochd, ach fios ri Fionn faobhar nochta.
Beir mo mhallachd ’us iarintl uainn, is e deir Mac Cumhail gom buaidh,
A d@’ fhagas f’a mhallachd air mnathaibh, nad’ eiridhse thugainn aon la.
Aon la.
CuIMHNE leam imeachd ochdar, a chuir tochd air mo mheanmuin,
Cuid de’n imeachd cha cheileam, ged nach bheileam gu calma,
Osgar ’us Caoilte crodha ’us Mac Lughaidh a mholtar,
Fionn agus Diarmad deudgheal, cuigear laoich de’n n-ochdar.
54
THE BOOK OF . [ANCIENT.
Misse agis rynith is kerrill keyve in norrin gin lochti
Chinnimyr er chreith banwe gir wea anmyn nochtyr
Ymich orrin skaill darwe inni gi calm fane sottill,
Daggimir downe vec cowle cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Zawrmir downe re albin bi chalme dwne a rochtin _
Hut reith lay m‘kowlle, cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Er zorttymir zwle tagsin ymith class inta is corkir
Finni a wade gi brow cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Huggymir cath sin neddall di fre tegwalle na porteiv
Rugimir boye is cowe cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Hugimir caith ni frankgi o sann di fre gi doggir
Zowimir geylle is cowe cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Hugimir cath ne spane a tantyn is a tochtyryn
Quhoye r my ray fane doyne cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Hugimir caith brettin bi zeglich ay is be doggir
Hoggymir gayle doyne cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Warrimir Crom ni carne er fargi is ay er ottill
Foyrrymir gi ter owille cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Na rey harnik ni clossich a phatrik ossil hochmyn
Finni wayde er cowe cowin lwm ymich ochtyr
Noewe a manmsyth phadrik is hard crawe is sochyr
O phakgyth missi id coithr cowin lwm ymith ochtyr.
Cowin lwm.
NENoR a quhyme fa chyill, di woyn avr chenni cholin
Woyn avr chinni cholin chon ca mo dorin sin doyn
Zearemir my lenyth lerga is glen frethnich ni glawe nerg
Is fer nach forrimir ann maddyth za damis cholin
Dearemir glen dorch dow glen zarve zorrith is gl claehe
Ts fer nach dorrimir ann maddyth za danmist cholin
Dearmir scheane zrwmmi clywe is finni wg leive na zei .. .
Is fer nach dorrimir ann maddyth za danmist cholin
Dearmir durlis war wail tawyr wry is down zawrane
Is fer nach dorrimir ann maddyth za danmist cholyn
Dearmir glen okoythyth fa forrais awr ossill
Is fer nach forrimir ann maddi za danmist cholin
Dearmir finni wy maye tawyr wry is kintaylle
Is fer nach dorrimir ann maddi za danmist cholin
Dearimir erri wlli eddir chonnith is donni
Is fer nach dorrimir ann maddi za danmist cholin
Pee ee ean Pe ee
¥ ; ee a on may irs GR ae pe ra ee ee ili
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 55
Mise agus Raoine ’us Caruil, caomh an fhoruinn gun lochda,
Chinneamar air chrich Bhanbha, gur b’e ainmean an ochdar.
Imeachd oirnne, sgeul dearbh, fhine gu calm fo’n sotal, —
Do fhagamar Din Mhic Cumhail, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
Ghabhamar duinn ri Albainn, bu chalm duinn a rochdainn,
Thuit righ le Mac Cumhail, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
Air ghortamar dol a Shasunn, iomadh cleas ann ’us cosgradh,
Fionn gum faigheadh gach brugh, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
Thugamar cath ’s an Eadailt, do bhreth teagbhoil ’n a portaibh,
Rugamar buaidh ’us cumha, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdat.
Thugamar cath na Frainge o ’s ann do bhreth gu docair,
Ghabhamar geill ’us cumha, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar,
Thugamar cath na Spainn, a taintean ’us a tachdaran,
Chaidhear mo ré fa ’n domhain, cuimhne Jeam imeachd ochdar.
Thogamar cath Bhreatuin, b’eagalach e ’us bu dhocair,
Thogamar geall daoine, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
Bheireamar Crom nan carn air fairge ’us e air oiteal,
Fhuaireamar gach tir umhal, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
’N a dheigh thainig na toisich, a Phadruig uasail thochdmhuin,
Fionn gheibheadh air cumha, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
Naomhaich m‘anamasa a Phadruig, is airde cruth us sochair,
O pheacaich mise a’d chomhar, cuimhne leam imeachd ochdar.
Cuimhne leam.
NAOINEAR chaidheamaid fo cheangail do fhaighinn aobhar chinn chuilein,
Fhaighinn aobhar chinn chuilein chon, ged is mo doruinn’s an domhain,
Do shireamar Magh Leine leirge ’us Gleann freathnaich nan claidheamh
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanmaid chuilean. [dearg,
Doshireamar gleann dorcha dubh, gleann ghairbh choire’us gleann cloiche ;
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanamaid chuilean.
Do shireamar Sithean Dhruime Cleibh, is Fionn Mhagh Leibh ’n a dheigh ;
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanamaid chuilean.
Do shireamar Durlas nam fear fial, Tabhar Bhreagh ’us Dun dhobhran ;
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanamaid chuilean.
Do shireamar Gleann a Cuaich fa forthais aobhar uasail,
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanamaid chuilean.
Do shireamar Fionn mhagh mhaith, Tabhar Bhreagh ’us Ceanntaile ;
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanamaid chuilean,
Do shireamar Eire uile, eadar chon ’us duine ;
Is fior nach d’ fhuaireamar ann madadh, de ’n deanamaid chuilean.
56
THE BOOK OF [ ANCIENT.
Gerrid downith mir sen sin feyn pupbill muntyr ;
Gin wakcamir tre cath nach di clanni reith ni roylayth |
Cath catchennith de we ann is cath chonchennith na genn
Cath drumanich in dey in ney donn er chawyr in dromb. .
In tley a soiltich gi hard er inni feyn in eingnyth zark
In nochtyr ske cheyttyth chay er we in tley . . . gead
In tleyg soyltich gi chert er inni feyn fa gall a zlak
Er layr skaye cheilt gyn wroyn weith in tly z in g.
In tley a soyltich gi heissil er inni feyn in nagnith eywre
In noythtyr skae chrwin charre we tley ac mak chrunchan
Leygis cheiltyth gallan gleith choylis e nalwin da reroiwe
Iss mygh lenyth nyn lanni in dawr is in down reillin
Reggir e goolle m‘morn faynith kenard cron woyn
A zleyis felane m‘fynni agis ni balwe a borrin
Reggir e za mhak mawoe breik is m‘elle o noye brek
Scay bregh m‘daythein dayn is keill croith in nerm rai zeyr
Reggir e keinkeith nith golg agis illin feywr zerg
Is keill croith a croyth zrinni nach estith goyth iywrin
Bi winni schenwrannyth sley agis mowr ni meillith |
Agis rann wrattich schroill ag erri a maddin zeith roeith
Di hoykgimir dalwe zreynith brattich inni vor ni faynith
Oyr chor sche tennal fa wor chanan cheintle rwe
Di hoykgimir fulling doyrith brattich zwlle wor v‘morn
Menkith we gach troyle chroissich derryth agis tossyth foylith
Di hoykimir in menchenith oyrri brattich rynith gin nymig sloyeg
Sroill lay gonfee knaw is kenni, la leygis fwll gow fybrin
Di hoykimir kynill chath brattich eillane darre
Mak finni far flath ni waynith gilli lay gurre tromley
Di hoykimir down neive brattich ossin na grri
Laywe zarg brattich v‘ronane is oarnay in deive elle
Di hoykimir skoyb zawe brattich oskyr in warffee
Re doll in gath na glaee menkith zarre skopbe zawe
Di hoykimir loith lynith brattich zarmit e zoenith awyissyth
Noar heyth in neanith wea sche awzissyth oeyrith a mach
Di hoykimir barne a reybgin brattich oskyr nar schanith
Danyth coyharme m‘gar zlynni la garwe kinni is kenwr
Di hoykimir creiwe fowllith brattich clonni var v‘lowich
Noar a heych in nane a mach is sche wea er in dossych
Di rimimir croith chath in dymchill inni oyrlach
Ma dudtych finni farri eddi ni wane worchalmith
Marwes ni catkenich linni agis di goyve ni chonchinnich
Hutti ni drumanich wlle in dymchall inn alwin
Munnich beg fa dassi zownith in nynwr wrow za zownnith
ee ee
ee a ee ee
a
Oe a |, OU ee
Pe) eae es eS
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 57
Goirid duinne mar sin, sin féin, pobull, muinntir,
Gu facamar tri cath gun achd de chlann Righ na Ruadhleath
Cath catcheann do bhi ann ’us cath choncheann ’n an ceann,
Cath drumanach an deigh an fheigh, donn air chobhar an drom .. .
An t-sleagh a soillseachadh gu h-ard, air Fionn féin an eangnaich ghairg,
An uachdar sgeith chailltich chaidh air bhith an t-sleagh . . .
An t-sleagh soillseach’ gu ceart air Fionn féin fa geal a ghlac,
Air lathair sgeith Chaoilte gun bhroén, bhith an t-sleagh dhearg an cath,
An t-sleagh a soillseach’ gu h-iosal air Fionn fein an aigne mhir.
An iochdar sgeith chruinn chair bhi an t-sleagh aig mac Chruinchain.
Leigeas Caoilte gallan glé; chualas e an Almhuin de rireadh,
’Us Magh Léine nan lann, an Tamhar ’us an Dun Reithlein,
Fhreagair e Gall Mac Moirn, Fiann ceannard Cronbhuain,
A ghleidheas Faolan Mac Fhinn, agus na Balbha a Borruinn.
Fhreagair e da mhac Maibh bhric, ’us Mac Ealaidh an aghaidh bhriec,
Scaith breagh Mac Daithein deine, ’us Caol crodha an airm ro gheir.
Fhreagair e Geangach nan colg agus Iolunn faobhair dheirg,
"Us Caol crodha a chrutha ghrinn nach disd guth ionbhruinn.
Bu bhinn seanmhoireachd sleigh agus meabhar nam milidh,
Agus ran bhratach srdl ag eiridh am maduinn ghaoith reodhta.
Do thogamar Dealbh ghréine, bratach Fhinn mhdir na Feinn,
Or chuir se timchioll fa mhor cana cinnealta ruadh.
Do thogamar Fulang Duaraidh, bratach Ghuill mhdir Mhic Moirn,
Minic bhin gach triall chraoisich, deireadh ’us toiseach falbh.
Do thogamar am Mincheann dir, bratach Raoine gon iomadh sluaigh,
Srol le ’n gonadh cnamh ’us cinn, le leigeas fuil gu aobruinnean.
Do thogamar Cineal chath, bratach Fhaolain daire,
Mac Fhinn fear flath na Feinn, gille le ’n cuireadh trom shleagh.
Do thogamar Dun Nimh, bratach Oisiain nan curaidh,
Lamh dhearg, bratach Mhic Ronain, is oirnidh an taobh eile.
Do thogamar Sguab ghabhaidh, bratach Osgair am fear fioch,
Ri dol an cath nan gleo minic a dh’ éireadh Seuab ghabhaidh.
Do thogamar Liath loinneach, bratach Dhiarmaid aigeanaich aibheasaich,
’N uair a theich an aonach a mach, bhi se aibheasach oirdheire.
Do thogamar Bearn Reubainn, bratach Osgair nar seanta,
Dheanadh cosheirm mac gair ghlinne le garbh cinne is ceannbhrat. _
Do thogamar Craobh fhuileach bratach cloinn bhar Mhic Lughaidh ;
’N uair theich an Fheinn a mach, is e bhitheadh air an toiseach.
Do rinneamar cruaidh chath, an timchioll Fhinn orfhlath,
Ma dhuda Fhinn fhearail, oide na Feinn mdir-chalma.
Marbhas na Caitcheannich leinn, agus do ghabh na Coincheannaich,
Thuit na Drumanaich uile an timchioll Fhinn Almhuin.
Monadh beag fa deas dhuinn, am faighear brugh dha dhiun ;
58 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
Is math forrimir ann maddith za danmist cholin
Zearimir erre wlle eddir chonni agis donni
Is noech cha dorremir er a feyg cheaddi ferr o zarve na nenor.
Nenor a quhyme,
BINnN gow duni in teyr in oyr binn a ghloyr chanyd nyth heoyn,
Bynn noaillane a nee a quhor bin in tonn a bwn da treoyr
Bynn in fygzir a ne zeye bin gow coyth oass cassyth conn
Alynn in delryth a ne greane byn in near feddyl nyth lon
Bynn gow illyr esse roye vass kynn coayne v‘moyrnye mor
Bynn gow coythaa oyss barrye doss alynn in tost a nee in coir
Fynn mac cowil mayr fani sacht caa na eaynn gyth grynn
In oayr a lykeyst con ra feayn a garrye no zeye bye wynn.
Bynn gow.
SKAILE oiknith er choyle cassil, gow carn wallir berrith mee
Na clwnnith dwnni za glwnnith gi glwnnith m‘gweill ee
Makcowle di choill cossir er sliss alwin in nor weine
Essin oss in gend ne choll finni in cessew doyr reiwe
Ossin dein nichticht is dermit dey v‘lowith leich nar zann
Deiss nar leyr cooza coskir conan feyn is oskir ann
Sloyne a zey leych zawsich di raye fin fer gyth eyth
Faikgen mir sin er oill inn ca coyll leiwe is binni er beith
Di raye conan yr we in nymirt eine choyll is binni hor feyn
-Math lawe in ir re heygh enrwnith fer sen gr chwnith er cheyll
Foskgi zi chwlg in gaith nawit nach in gath ni choklit sa
A loywe in genn is in gossith koill a bar le oskir aye
Koill is mo ruggis zi ryin di rae deomit ni derk maal
A rozraw gin ga boa zawssith coraa ban is ansith ann
Sowd mi choilsi a v‘murn er m‘lowith ni narm glan
Leym in gleyw mi chon gow cre fey ga churri in derri zawe
Sowd in koill is koyle dowfsyth di rae fin fla in tloe
In neym zeith bayne ley braddeiche raym finleich fa atteive oyr
In tra weime gin eggill nin neksith ossin a durt fa zoe
Mi zane is a zoissith in daskgi saif rame cloiss clastin a chole.
— —. a
ae Te
MODERN.) {HE DEAN OF LISMORE. 59
Is maith fhuaireamar ann madadh dhe ’n deanamaid chuilean.
Dhireamar Eire uile eadar chon ’us duine.
Is nocha d@’ fhuaireamar air a feadh, ceud fear a dhearbh na naoinear.
Naoinear.
Brinn guth duine an tir an dir, binn a ghldir a chanaid na h-evin,
Binn an nuallan a ni a chorr, binn an tonn am Bun da treoir.
Binn am fabhar a ni a ghaoth, binn guth cuach os Cas a choin,
Aluinn an dealradh a ni grian, binn a nithear feadail nan lon,
Binn guth jolair Easruaidh, os cionn cuain Mhic Muirne moir,
Binn guth cuach os bar dos, aluinn an tosd a ni an corr,
Fionn Mac Cumhail m‘athair, fa ’n seachd cath Fhiann gu grinn,
An uair a leigeas con ri fiadhmhuin, ag ¢iridh ’n a dheidh bu bhinn.
Binn guth.
SGEUL oignidh air chedl caislidh, gu Carn Bhalair beiridh mi,
Nan cluinneadh duine de ’n cluinneadh, gun cluinneadh Mac Cumhail e,
Mac Cumhail do cheal cdisir, air slios Almhuin an oir mhin,
Esan os an ceann ’sa chedl Fionn an cdisir d’ fhaighear riamh,
Oisian dian euchdach, ’us Diarmad, deagh Mhic Lughaidh laoch nior
Dithis na’r le’r cobhach cosgar, Conan féin ’us Osgar ann. [ghann,
Sloinn a dheagh laoich dhomhsa, do radh Fionn fior gach eadh,
’Faicinn mar sin air 01 Fhinn, cia an cedl leibh is binne air bith ?
Do radh Conan air bhi an imirt, aon chedl is binne a fhuair mi féin.
Maith lamh an fhir ri aghaidh cruinnich’ fior sin gun chuimhne air chéill.
Faosgadh a chuilg an cath namhaid, neach an cath ni choigleadh se,
A luaidh an ceann ’us an cos, ceol a b’ fhearr le Osgar aigh.
Cedl is mo a rugas de roghainn, do radh Diarmad nan dearc mall,
A ro ghraidh, gun ge beo dhomhsa, comhradh bhan is annsa ann.
Sud mo chedlsa a Mhic Muirne, ars’ Mac Lughaidh nan arm glan,
Leum an gled mo chon gu cridhe feidh ’g an cur an deireadh dhoibh,
Sud an cedl is cedl dhomh féin do radh Fionn flath an t-sldigh,
An fheum ghaoith bhitheann le brataich, reim fionnlaoich fo a taobh dir.
An trath bhitheam gun eagal nan eigeas Oisian a dubhairt fadheoidh,
Mo Fheinn’us i dhomhsa an tasgaidh, seimh le’m chluas claistinn a cheoil.
60
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
FLeyGH wor rinni lay finni innoiss dowt a halgin
Fa hymmi dwn we ann deanow albin is errin
Fearis mmorn mor din reane fa gall glor
A waktow fleywi zar o hanyth tow weanow errin
Di reggir sen finni wane fa math wle tor is tear
Dowrt gi wak fleywi zar na gi fley ane reywe in nerrin
Chongimir huggin won tonn leich mor ayrrichtich foltinn
Gin ane dwn ag ach ay feyn fa math in toglach essane
Mir hanyth shay in gen ni wane a dowrt in toglach fa keyve keyll
Tarsyth lomsith noss inni is ber cayd leich id di hymchill
Deych mek eichit morne mor ber let in dowss di henoyll
Fer is ocht zet chlonn feyne ber is oskir di zane wane
Ber deachnor di clannith smoill is feichit di clanni ronane
Ber di clanni mwin let deachnor elli gin dermit
Ber let dermit o dwnith bar ni swr is no schalge
A feyn is kerrill id lwng deychnor di zanith is di zorrin
Ber nenor do zillew let fa farda how ym bee aggit
Agis twss fen a inni a v‘awasse erm zrinni
Ber C leich let er twnni di zna wnntir inn v‘kowle ©
C skay gin m wi nor dinni m‘kowle v‘tranewor
Berssi let in nossa inni in da chonni is ferri in nerrin
Ber bran is skoillin let lowt di zorrin i gimicht
Na beith fadcheis ort a inni di ray in toglach ard evin
Tuggir fa woye id heith di we er ar sloye is soiche
Glor anwit hare id chenn ogle out hanik chwggin
Min fayin tow in weanoss inn di wea di chen gin chollin
Di choraa ni churffe in swm a chonane meill ni beymin
Is mest in sloye di wee ann id ta tow agrow anwin
Errissyth clanni biskni-ann erss conane in nani
Gowis gi neach zeiwe erm leich tig ni feanith ass gi ane teiwe
Marwar in sen mak di zinn feani gall a zassgi zrinn
As mak a zillin m‘morn fa math in gath chrwnwoynyth
Errissyth arriss ann is daniss a wurrill
Fearyth yn beinni cwt ag gowle di chonan in nani
Di wersi a wraa feyn di zinn di ray gowle mor nim beymin
War conan na mess a chinni na bonfeit ass in tinchin
Ferris koill D* eichid in glen er nach leyr rawe cheith in ferrin
Ay gin fiss nyth feanith ag finn troyg in skaill so halgin
Faddi lommi a halgin trane nach wagga ma dunni zi nane
Ead a shelgi o zlenni gow glenn is nith aewlt no dymchol
Binvin lom ossin m‘finni na hanich kenn nach deach zee
Ter gi dwni gar royve ann di binvin leom finni wley.
Fley.
ee ee a ee ne ae ee ee
a
ee
a Se a
Pg ee ge ee eee ee
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. — - 61
FrLeapu mhor a rinneadh le Fionn, innis dhuit a Thailgein,
Bu iomadh duine a bha ann, d@’ Fhianaibh Alba ’us Eirinn.
Feoraicheas Mac Moirne mor de ’n rioghain bu gheal gldir,
Am faca tu fleadh ghara o thainig tu do Fhianaibh Eirinn ?
Do fhreagair sin Fionn nam Fiann, bu mhaith uile soir ’us siar,
Dubhairt gum faca fleadh bu gharra no gach fieadh Fheinn riamh an
Chunnamar thugain o’n tonn laoch mor arachdach foltionn, | Kirin.
Gun aon duine aig ach e féin, bu mhaith an t-oglach esan.
Mar thainig se an ceann nam Fiann a dubhairt an t-oglach bu chaomh
Tarsa leamsa nis, Fhinn, ’us beir ceud laoch a’d thimchioll, [ciall,
Deich mic fhichid Moirne moir, beir leat an tus do thionaill,
Fear ’us ochd dhe’d chlann féin, beir us Osgar do dh’ Fhiann Feinn,
Beir deichnear de chlannaibh Smoil, us fichead de chlannaibh Ronain,
Beir de chlann Mudhain leat, deichnear eile gun Diarmad,
Beir leat Diarmad o Duinn, b’fhear na suiridh ’us na seilg,
E féin ’us Caoruill ’ad long deichnear de dhaoine ’us de dh’ fhoruinn.
Beir naoinear de ghillibh leat, a b’fheairde thu a bhi agad,
Agus tusa féin a Fhinn, a mhic aibheasaich, airmghrinn,
Beir ceud laoch leat air tonn de ghnath mhuinntir Fhinn Mhic Cumhail,
Ceud sgiath gon mionna ’n dir, d@’ Fhionn Mac Cumhaill mhic Threin- |
Beirse leat a nis, a Fhinn, an da chon is fearr ’an Eirinn, [mhoir,
Beir Bran ’us Sgoilean leat, luaithe de dh’ fhoruinn ag imeachd.
Na bitheadh faitcheas ort, a Fhinn, do radh an t-oglach ard aoibhinn,
Tugar fo bhuaidh ad thi do bhi air ar sluaigh ’us soithichibh.
Gldir anmhaith tharladh ’ad cheann, oglaich ud a thainig thugainn,
Mum faigheann tu am fianuis Fhinn do bhitheadh do cheann gun choluinn,
Do chomhradh ni chuiream an suim a Chonain mhaoil nam beuman,
Is misd an sluagh do bhi ann, a ta tu aghara, anmhuinn,
Kiribhse chlanna Baoisgne ann, ars’ Conan an anaithne.
Gabhas gach neach dhiubh arm laoich, thig na Fianna as gach aon taobh,
Marbhar an sin mac do Fhionn, Fiann geal a ghlaca ghrinn,
As mac de ghillibh Mic Moirne bu mhaith ’n cath Chruinnbhuain,
Kireas a Fhearghuis ann ’us deanas an iorghuill,
Feoraich am bi a chuid aig Goll do Chonan an anaithne,
Do bheirinnse a bhreith féin do Fhionn, do radh Goll mdr nam beuman,
Bheir Conan ’n a mise a cheann na buinid as an t-eanchain. [fearainn,
Ferghus, Caol, deich thar fhichead an gleann, air nach léir riamh chi
E gun fhios nam Fiann aig Fionn ; truagh an sgeul so a Thailgein.
Fada leam a Thailgein threin, nach fhaic mi daoine de ’n Fheinn,
Tad a sealg o ghleann gu gleann, ’us mac eilde ’nan timchioll ;
B'ionmhuinn leam Oisian Mac Fhinn, na h-aon cheann a chaidh dheth ;
Thar gach duine de ’n robh ann, do b‘ionmhuinn leam Fionn an fhleidh.
Fleadh.
62
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Troye lwm twllych ni faynith ag ni clerchew fa zeirse
Is danyth lucht ni billak in nynit clannyth beisknyth
Dayr missi raa croychin schell fada wroychow gi swgych
Beg a hellis gi tarfin in talgin er di wullych
Dayr meith skay is sley conn is gyir fad walle
Ga ta nocht knok ni fayni fa chleyrchew is fa wachlew
Da merra clanni morn ni wee fer nordsi seadtrach
Di zoyve schew fer grabbil a lwcht ni baychill breik
Da merra mowyth si vi curri chalma
Swl fowkweis in twllych di wee fer cowlyth garryth
Da merra clanni carda fir nachir chelggi bayssew
Ne weith fer glwkgi fer bachlaa nynit ni bradtych
Da merra clanni mayvin fer nach banvin in droddew
Ni weith di wuntir a phatrik gi laydyr er ni chnoken
Da metra clan in dew zerri da merra keilti croych
Ne weith gayr chloogi is chleyrri ga nestich in raa croychin
Da merra rynne roydda is keilcroy m‘creyvin
Ne weith di loywr la cheyll ir a laywis a bebill
Is ni lwrga crwnni di ryn in swll doyne
Di weith di lorga na brossna da bea osgir er layr
Ir in trostane woye di ryn in swe swnda
Math dut nach marrin connan fa manach dorn duta
Da marrein swlzorm seir conan meil makave ni wane
A chleyrre ga mor di zorda di wonin zut dorn gi dane
Da marra m‘ 0 zoyni er ni lwrga crossi
Di weith di lorga sue mest a bresta fa chaythra clooch
Ir chlwga mir helim da weith dering na woye
Di weith di chlog na rabba woya fa edin a chaythre
Ner zarga shmor a cheyth er gayth geith m‘roynan
Na be di chlog gi hannis ir a wanis a koyllan
Ni eddwm bi gi sowthych ne agkwm m‘kowl si woe
Ne ekkym dearmit o doywn ne ekkym keilt m‘cronan
Ne hynyth mi way gi dowyth er in tullych so phatrik
Ne ekkym m‘lowth ne ekim in chwllych zrawcht
Ne ekkim far loo raym heive ne ekkim oskir na. . .
Ne ekkim in nymirt vor ne ekkim a choanirt cheyf
Ne ekkim clanni smoyl ne ekkim golli mor ni gneyf
Ne ekkim feillane fayill ne ekkim na zey in nayn
Ne ekkim ferris mi wrayir layr meyth layr woalta
Ne ekkim dyrri doynicht 0 woymist koyl gi noyrra
Ne ekkim fa kanyn nach beehow aggin er ayrre
Ne ekkim ane gar worrin di bi wor torrin a glar
oe i et i i 6) ee, a
eee en ee eae ee a ee ——-
7 “y + of eae
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 63
TruAGH leam tulach na Feinn, aig na cleirichibh fo dhaoirse,
’Us dana luchd nam billeag, an ionad clanna Baoisgne,
Do fhaighear mise a Rath Chruachain, seal fo do bhruachaibh gu sugach,
Is beag a shaoileas gun tarfainn an Tailgean air do mhullach.
Do fhaighear mo sgiath ’us sleagh, con ’us gadhair fa d’ bhalla,
Ge’d tha an nochd cnoc na Feinn, fo chleirichibh ’us fo bhachlaibh.
Na ’m maireadh clanna Moirne, ni bhitheadh fear an ordsa seathardha,
Do gheibheadh sibh ’ur grabail, a luchd na bachuile brice.
Na ’m maireadh Mac Lughaidh, ’s a sé cuiridh chalma,
Sol fhagas an tulach, do bhi bhur culaidh gearr.
Na ’m maireadh clanna Ceairde, fir nach fir cheileadh basa,
Ni bhitheadh bhur cluig ’s ’ur bachla, an ionad nam bratach.
Na ’m maireadh clanna Mudhain, fir nach b’anmhuinn an trodaibh,
Ni bhitheadh do mhuinntir a Phadruig, gu laidir ’n an cnocaibh. [adhach,
Na ’m maireadh clann an deagh Ghoraidh, na ’m maireadh Caoilte cru-
Ni bhitheadh gair chlog ’us chleireach,’g an éisdeachd an Rath Chruachain.
Na ’m maireadh Raoine ruadha, ’us Caol crodha mac Reabhain,
_ Ni bhitheadh do leabhar r’a cheile, fhir a leughas am Biobul.
Agus na luirge cruinne, do rinn an siubhail domhain,
Do bhitheadh do lorg ’n a bhrosna, na ’m bitheadh Osgar air lar.
Fhir an trostain bhuidhe, do rinn an suidh sonda,
Is maith dhuit nach marruinn Conan, fa bhuineadh dorn duit.
Na ’m maireadh an Sulghorm saor, Conan maol macamh nam Fiann,
A chleirich ge mdr do dh’ ord, do bhuineann duit dorn gu dian.
Na ’m maireadh Mac O’Dhuinn, fhir na luirge croise,
Do bhitheadh do lorga smiste, briste fo charragh cloiche.
Fhir a chluig mar shaoilim, na ’m bitheadh Daoruing ’n a bheatha,
Do bhitheadh do chlog ’n a reubach, uaith fa eudan a charraigh.
An ior dhearg, a sheanair, da chitheadh air gath gaoith Mhic Ronain,
Ni bhitheadh do chlog gu h-ainnis, fhir a sheinneas an gdlan.
Ni fhaodam bhi gu subhach, ni fhaiceam Mac Cumhail ’s a bheatha,
Ni fhaiceam Diarmad O’Duinn, ni fhaiceam Caoilte Mac Ronain ;
Ni h-ioghnadh mi bhi gu dubhach, air an tulach so, Phadruig,
Ni fhaiceam Mac Lughaidh, ni fhaiceam an coileach gradhaichte ;
Ni fhaiceam Fear luath u’m thaobh, ni fhaiceam Osgar na Feinn ;
Ni fhaiceam an imirt mhor ni fhaiceam a chonairt chaomh,
Ni fhaiceam clanna Smoil, ni fhaiceam Gall mor ’an gniomh.
Ni fhaiceam Faolan fiall, ni fhaiceam ’n a dheigh an Fheinn,
Ni fhaiceam Fearghus mo bhrathair, le ’r mithich le ’r mholta,
Ni fhaiceam Daoire duanach, o’m faigheamaid cedl gach uaire,
Ni fhaiceam Fatha Canan, nach bi thu againn air uaire.
Ni fhaiceam aicme dhe ’r foruinn da bu mhor torrun air clair,
64 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
Ne ekkim evinis na hoyl ne clwnim in koyl di wee
Soll di curri mi mi hoo di fronfwn feyn or gi loyit
Inssim zwt a phadrik da bi zayllwm hecht harsta
Nach fayddwm a heillow a vacca may zeivinis agga
Missi is cleyrre ni bortwis nocha droyinum ra chaal
Ga ta mee nocht gi dowych, is troygh lwm tullych ni fayne.
Troyg lwm.
Dyt# wylelyss myschi zraynnyth hwnggis nayrri w‘cowle
Wee myr it tayme sin nagyn is bert nach fadyr a wllyng
Dyth zhagis clwycht is couzar er chompan zaw neyss tayr
Dyth zhagis mnan gin gillaa is dyth wilelis mischi a zraynna
Dyth zhagis murnd is meygzegr curme is greygzin is garae
Dyth zhagis clwithi fylli is dyth willis myschi a zraynnaa
Keiltaa mor is m‘lowith deyss er nach drwngi taayraa
In feyth nayr roywaa rynnaa dyth wilelis mischi a zraynna
Gold is ‘oskyr is osseyne acma nach corrith partaa
Dyth bynnwynne leo sen synnyth dyth wylelyss myschi a zraynna
Fynn fane in agnaa raawoyr is woygh zaifmost failtaa
Dyth zhagis murndnych hee is dyth wilelys mischi a zraynna
Myr aweyss in noyf chaythi zoyschi ne hewyr zayrraa
A coyad oywaa byggi dyth wilelis mischi a zraynnaa
It doll ter wennew borrifaa is er wollyth forynnych ban... .
Ne mor nach tursych synnaa dyth willelis myschi a zraynnaa
It doll ter ess roygh roinyth is beg nar obyr my wayle
Faa rohwyr geltti glinni di villiss missi a zrannyth
Waym gi faddi is gi haazar.a tastil eyrrin ani
Is trane di woyr sen sinni di williss mischi zrany.
Di williss missi.
Lay a royth in dundalgin cowchullin ni grow neynti
O taid ni gur er a gon gin sloig wlli na ochyr
Halli in noill erin nerre math si waggidir in nane wlli
Keltith fekkich fowich feine eltych laye za leetiwe
Gwr bei in nansych wllith mnan chogn clanni rowre
In cor sen bi degkir reyve cur ris in naltin dawail
In doychis lawee leich atte dr aythr chonleich
Ni hoynni giderring dalwe ser winn cholla in gallew
Gawis in crann tawill glan cowchullin gi .. .
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MODERN.] THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Ni fhaiceam aoibhneas na 01, ni cluinneam an cedl do bhi,
Sul do chuireadh mi am uaigh, do bhronnainn féin dr gu luath.
Inniseam dhuit, a Phadruig, nam b’ ailleam theachd tharsta,
Nach faodam a fhileadh, na fhaca mi dh’ aoibhneas aca.
Mise ’us Cleirich nam portos, nocha tarruingeam ri chéile,
Ge ta mi an nochd gu dubhach ; is truagh leam tulach na Feinn.
Truagh leam.
Do fhileas mise a Ghrainne, chunnacas an goire Mhic Cumhail,
Bhi mar a taim ’s an éigin is beart nach faodar fhulang.
Do fhacas cluiche ’us coghair air chompan ghabh nise taire,
Do fhacas mnathan gon gillibh, is do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
Do fhacas muirn ’us meoghar, cuirm ’us greigh ghrinn us giire,
Do fhacas cluiche fidhle, ’us do fhileas mise.a Ghrainne.
Caoilte mor ’us Mac Lughaidh, dithis air nach d’rainig taiire,
Air fioch nior ro mhaith ruinne, do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
Goll ’us Osgar ’us Oisian, aicme nach corra part,
Do b’ionmhuinn leo sin sinne, do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
Fionn féin an aigne ro mhir, is uaith a gheibheamaid faillte,
Do fhacas muirneach e ’us do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
Mar a bhitheas an naoi cathan, dhomhsa ni h-aobhar ghiire,
A coimhead uaimhe bhige do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
A dol thar bheanntaibh borrafadh, ’us air mhullach fhormnach bhan,
Ni mor nach tuirseach sinne, do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
A triall tir eas ruaidh romhainn, is beag na’r obair mo fhail,
Fa ruathar geillt glinne, do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
Bhitheam gu fad ’us gu h-aithghearr a tasdail Hirinn dine.
Is treun do fhaighear sin sinne, do fhileas mise a Ghrainne.
Do fhileas mise,
La a robh an Dundealgain, Cuchulain nan cruth deanta,
O taid con cur air a ghean, gun sluagh uile ’n a fhochair ;
O thal!’ an oil air an Giridh mach, gum facadar an Fheinn uile,
Ceilltach feacach fuathach fa’n ealta luidh dha shleitibh ;
Gur b’e an annsachd uile, mnathan Choige clanna Rughraidh,
An cuir sin bu dheacair riamh, cur ris an ealtan d’fhaigheail ;
An dochas laimh laoich ; aiteadar athair Chonlaoich,
Na h-eoin go Daoirinn dealbhach, saor bhinn Cholla an gallaibh ;
_ Gabhas an crann tabhaill glan Cuchulain gu. .
5
65
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
In lawe bi wath troir er mor ni hoynene gr... .
Ryntyr in neltych wo ner zarmit umpith ach awyr,
Gawis awyr racht fane rynn dayveine ner chart a cheive
Geltyr wee no errik sin ni kead oyne elli zayvir
Lar dorchrith er teive a chnok la creif ni norchr nerrik
In gen tryle hicgid gow caith za anee gin neigiss noynach
Ni roe fer gin oe orri wei slawre or datrych
Hug bancheill chongullin graw dinani di wllim
Din charrait eintych aynee hanik a ymill ollanith
Agris ayvr in nolt trwme a cu rith er chongullin
Ni hoyne mir gylle deith gin skail na hyi umpith
Da oyr no tre tilfer leis ni hoyne aldyth sner ammis
Gir leme couf mir a chur iii wrchir hor ni hannich
In hurchir reyve royve sen zoll di zaltane gawffee
Gin virn er wrane di wlyg ryef ach keym sin allane
Re bleygin ni deach zea ach twrss nin nane seach
Ne hay ymichtych nin nane is inleut ach in twrskail
Mass fer in dathris a woygr nach darn in cow on chref
Slat war zall di zrawhe mnaa laywith aig voye a
.... . myn fa reawrew beggane . .
... .. feyne in tulg churr ay deis er gi...
Hw a feyne agus garri teive er heive in nane tr za
Gin darrith Finn di zarri er su zoith na arrith
Or is twss do wee ann kinnis di warve sew cowll
Di weyr si zwt mi wrarri er bee zwt orm za earre
Gir heith mi laive laytich lomm chur in kead za in gowll
For in caddrew zoiss sin a clanni morn mar zilli
Is wulling is reawor zoif zess dew mathr a varwi
Mass for in catdrew leat sin Inn vec cowill a halwin
Leig in carri dr bwnskinni is tog in nallydis chatchin
A dog mis zew lawe a clann morn is mor grane
Fa toylling missi wlle for gir gow deith eine dwn
Mass di zlassi tussi sin ymichtin er slycht haithr
Bith lemenor sinni er linni mir weith ein eillytin chowale
Gowal chor sinn in woyew cowle hue orn mor withwr
Gowal di zoichir a mach sinn a greithew ni geith
Chor dram zeine in nalbin inn is dram elle in dow lochlinn
In tress dram si zreyg zilli beddit woe cheylr...
Wemir seableyn deyg a hagwss errin is ner wrag
Ner weg in smach downith sinni gin er dew zagkin
In kead lay choymir er teir zinse errin or weimin
Warveir dein is ner wraik a ray xvi ¢ dein lay
Di warvis clanna morn dan leichew is . . .
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. | 76
An laimh bu mhaith treoir air mor na h-eoin gur ‘
Roinntear an ealta uatha, nior dhearmaid umpa ach Btihens,
Gabhas Eimhear rachd fa ’n roinn, deimhin nior cheart a chaoimh ;
Gealladar bhith ’n a diric sin, na ceud eoin eile dh’ Eimhear,
Le’r torchradh air taobh a chnuic le treibhe nan urchuir an éiric
An ceann triall thigead gu caithir da ni gon eigis dhuanach,
Ni robh fear gun e orra, bhi slabhraidh oir clatrach.
Thug bancheile Chonchulain gradh do ’n Fhiann de bheileam,
Do ’n charaid aontach dine, a thainig.a iomall Ullanaich.
Agras Eimhear an fhuilt truime a cunradh air Chonchulain,
Na h-eoin mar gheall dith gun sgeul ’n a h-aghaidh umpa ;
Da uair no tri tillear leis na h-eoin ald ’s nior amais,
Gur leum cobh mar a chuir tri urchuir thar na h-eunaibh ;
An t-urchuir riamh roimh sin dhol da dhaltan gabhaidh,
Gun mhuirn air mhnathan de bhlagh, riamh ach caoine ’s an allan ;
_ Ré bliadhna ni deachaidh dha ach tuirse an Fheinn seach,
Ni h-e imeachdaich nan Fheinn is ion leat ach an t-ursgeul ;
Ma ’s fior an t-aithris a gheibhear nach tearuinn an Cu o’n chraoibh,
Slat bhar-gheal de ghradh mhnatha, le bhi a bhuaidh ach . . .
ae min fa dheireadh beagan .. .
“a ar féin an: t-sealg, chuir e dithis air gach aon. . .
Thu fein agus Garaidh, taobh air thaobh an Fheinn .. .
Gun d’fharraid Fionn de Gharaidh, air suidhe dha ’n‘a aire ;
O’n is tusa do bhi ann, Cionnus a mharbh sibh Cumhal ?
Do bheirse dhuit mo bhriathar, air bhi dhuit orm ’g a iarraidh,
Gur h-i mo lamh shleiteach lom, chur an ceud ghath ’an Cumhal ;
Fuar an caidreamh dhomhsa sin, a chlanna Moirne mar ghille,
Is fulangas ro mhor dhomh, dh’ fhios duibh m/’athair a mharbhadh.
Ma ’s fuar an caidreamh leat sin, Fhinn Mhie Cumhail a h-Almhuin,
Leig an caradradh buinsgion, ’us tog an alltas choitchin.
An tog mise dhibh lamh, a chlanna Moirn is mdr grain,
Fa tualaing mise uile, fuair gur cuidich aon duine.
Mus do ghluais thusa sin, imeachdain air slighe d’athar,
Bu leimeanar sinn air linne mur bhi aon ealadhain Chumhail ;
Cumhal chuir sinn am buaidhibh, Cumhal thug oirnne mor ruathar,
Cumhal do dhiochuir a mach, sinn do chriochaibh nan coimheach,
Chuir dream dhinn an Albain fhinn, us dream eile ’an dubh Lochlainn,
An treas dream ’s a Ghreig ghile, bithead o chéile air ioman.
Bhitheamar se bliadhna deug a h-eugmhais Eirinn ’us nior bhreug,
Nior bheag an smachd duinn, sinn gun fhear diubh fhaicinn,
An ceud la chaidheamar air tir dh’ Innis Eirinn o’n bhitheamar,
Mharbhar dinn us nior bhreug, ré se deug ceud ri aon la ;
Do mharbhas clanna Moirn de ’n laochaibh . . .
68
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Cha roif eine dwn zew sen nach cow caydi div...
Gonith caslane da galnew clanni morn mor vanmnith
In ginni feyn bi leytich ann a weaniss far nerrin
Er a lawsi olach ni wane cha nakgis horri no har
Eine neith hug pask er mi hwle ach fagsin a choskir
Hug say teim fame chree re fagsin ni slintee
Huggimir nein teyg a crithew mowin mor zerg
A royth gasge in r bassid zown owin a warvi
Gyn deyve er in twlli hawle ymbi woa dwnni clann chwle
Ronimir reith nach royve maule guss in ty in roif cowl
Huggimir gwn zothin gr fr in gorp chwall zor sleywe
Gir gar ruggi missi ann in nor a warve she cowall
Ne gneive roym scho ma haa dielmissi orr wa mer lay.
Lay za roymir.
A. houdir so Duncha mor voe lawenacht.
Mark dwnna a cayle a zoo agis ga vil schrow di zanna
Agus na ead gawal loa is nach ool wea no hawe
Agis nach synni corri na port is nach gawe gin locht leye
Agis nach skurre di chrwt veynni is nach synni mir is meynni
As marg nach skur da dryng drang agis di rann di ray
Agis na cluntyr a chrwt is nach tuggis a zayn
As marg na toyr toye da chael is nach cumi a feyn slan
As marg a ver trass gi trog ar a vess na rig a lawe
Da be mi vean annsyth vess neach foygin a zrab go hard
Di zoofin a cranni fa vonni ga bea neach er a cur merg.
Mark.
A houdir so gilhiecrist talzyr.
Bennycht. di hylych a threnoite a ree pharris port nyn layk
Di hylych ner zann dit zoe how fan di zalve vlli ead
Is dutti di chommi seil nawzoe di zroy derk er da nyn sow
Ir a vennych port is pobbil malych di lwcht coggi ewlli
A ta chonurt curst chwllan danew wlk er clannow reicht
Gyn glwnnum ayr ni gonn gunnith is lane gi glenni dolli zeive
A lucht cogge er clanni awzoe o nach fadr vea nane dost
Na geltow a chew ra chael ferten ree nyn grein a gosk
A lucht cogge er clan awzoe di fre lucifer nyn lube
fe Maa Wax ox ks
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. . 69
Nochar robh aon duine dhiubh sin nach cumha ceud .. .
Gonadh caslain do ghalnaibh, clanna Moirne mdr mheanmnach
An cinneadh féin bu shleiteach ann am fianuis fhear an Eirinn.
Air do laimhse, olaich na Feinn, cha-n fhacas shoir no shiar,
Aon ni thug pasg air mo shuil, ach a faicinn a chosgraidh ;
Thug se tioma fa ’m chridhe ri faicsinn na slionachaidh,
Thugamar an aon tigh aii criochaibh Mumhain mur dhearga ;
A ro ghaisge an fhir b’ usaide dhuinn fhaighinn a mharbhadh,
Gun diubh air an tulaich thall, am bu bheo daoine chlann Chumhail ;
Rinneamar ruith nach robh mall, gus an tigh ’s an robh Cumhal,
Thugamar guin dhomhain gach fear, an corp Chumhail dh’ ar sleaghaibh ;
Ger ga ’r rugadh mise ann, an uair a mharbhadh Cumhal,
Na gniomharan so ma tha, diolamsa orra, bhamar 1a.
La dh’ a robhamar.
Is e Ughdair so Dunchadh mor o Leamhanach.
Mairg duine a chaill a ghuth, agus’g a bheil sriuth r’a dheanamh,
Agus nach fhaod gabhail luath, is nach oil bhi ’n a thimh,
Agus nach seinn cor no port agus nach gabh gun lochd laoidh,
Agus nach sguir de chruit bhinn, ’us nach seinn mar is miann, |
Is mairg nach sguir dhe dring drang, agus de rann do radh,
Agus nach cluinntear a chruit, ’us nach tuigear a dhan,
Is mairg nach toir toigh d’a chail, ’us nach cinn e féin slan,
Is mairg a bheir treis gu truagh air a mheas nach ruig a lamh, [h-ard,
Na ’m bitheadh mo mhiann anns a mheas nach fhaighinn a ghrabadh gu
Do ghearrainn an crann fa ’bhun, ge bith neach air an cuiream fearg.
Mairg.
Is e tghdair so Gillechriosd Tiillear.
Beannaich do theaghlach a Thrianaid, a Righ Pharrais port nan leug,
Do theaghlach nior dhean de’d dhubh, thu féin do dhealbh uile iad,
Is duit do chumadh siol Adhaimh, de ghruaidh dearg air dath nan sigh,
Fhir a bheannaich port ’us pobull, malluich do luchd-cogaidh ctil.
A ta conairt cursta chuilean, ’deanamh uile air clannaibh righ,
Gun cluinneam fabhar nan con guineach, is lan gach gleann dtile dhiubh.
A luchd cogaidh air clannaibh Adhaimh, o nach faodar bhi ’n an tosd,
’N an geall a chaoidh ri chéile, feartan Righ na grinne a chosg.
Luchd-cogaidh air clann Adhaimh, de frith Lucifeir nan lub,
70
THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
Na leg foiss na dein dyn drong soo losk a re nyth solsi sowd —
Er deess eich chappil clawych nor is lane dyn choynnyth chwlle
Werrid wpe in nucht nyth selga leggi brucht a melga moe
Mallich nyth selga is a worloye deess eich keithryth is chrwe
Di chur drwme ra foyd ni foiche skeiltir kinni a zassre zoe
A ta gassre vaddi vasslaie er layr inche ald art
Lane truddyr ead treg a threnoit curseir ead a venoit valk
Ga zemmi crakkin chon alta agin wm clarsi is wm chrute
Cha terga clakin foyr fallwe aggin on chonni aalle wlk
Yr crisd dan sneicht seachin o loch chabbir gow ryn frewith
Loyth a gonnil da gorpe knawe orchis olk a raith rweith
Gon ga nerrik sen er scherchew di vak robert nyn royk tee
A lach venour ni glenni gust is lenonr kenn curst er claa
A vil o vinni zulbin zrenta di vaddrew sooss gu shrow tolve
Fissi er selgow sissi a soig derk ayr o christ ulli orve
Gi glwnnym is me in nynvr nissa meilchon skeilli nyn skonni
Marg ma nea balle ni bokneach gon dea gallyr tutmych trommi
Scawych connyth elsi is aggait er lucht varve nyn grey glass
Mak dey lai chre noy nawelych gyth sneach a choyn anvych ass
Loska gi sywe hay scheith chellin a oone stewart nyn stead braafe
Mas ber woym gir shreyth schranwoor a choyn zranith zranwor uigh
Er zarri oyone steadzil stewart cha learroith cabbir gyn chenn
Is ead er chollew cass corrych a choynnyth zlassi vongi hoenni.
Bennych di hylych.
A houdir so gilliecallum m‘yn olle.
Ne heyvynis gin clyne donil ne coric veith nane naguss
In cland dyth bar sin gronevyth gir zeve gych done catew
Clann is ser zor zawe in rowe angnew is awziss
Clann zar woil ne terin in rowe creud is crawee
Clann chunlych chalmyth chroyth clann byth loyth in namm throd
Clann byth venyth in mesk beo is byth chalmyth in gogyth
Clann byth lenour orryth di oar anyth is ayrewe
Clann nar chattyth er egliss clann lor veggil in ganyth
Gythy ane albin oyn clann in croye zawe best
Gane royve tress gyth ter sawik eil er zasg
Clann bi vow is bi vir clann bi zrennis bi raith
Clann di barsingyth crei di bar fydin is feil
Mek rei nar hoyla in ner in royve dyntyth is trome
Fir alda olsai one nour in royve brontych is boke
Olann di bar feine is fasgyth clann di bar gasg lawe
ee ee ee
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 71
Na leig fois, na dean do ’n droing so, loisg a Righ na soillse std.
Air dhithis eich chapuill clamhach, ’n uair is lan de ’n chuainibh chuil,
Bheirid uaipe an uchd na seilg, leigeadh brichd am meilge muigh.
Malluich na seilg ’us a mhortlath, dithis eich ciar ’s a chruth,
Do chur druim ri foid na faiche, sgaoiltear cinn a ghasraidh dhuibh.
A ta gasradh mhadadh mhaslach, air lathair Innse Ald ard,
Lan trudair iad, treig a Thrianaid, cuirear iad a bhinnid bhalg.
Ge iomadh craicionn chon alda, againn um chlarsaich ’us um chruit,
Cha teire claigionn fuar falamh, againn o’n chon alda uile.
Athair Chriosd dean snaigheadh seachuinn o Lochabair gu Raon Fraoich,
Luath an conuil do’n corp enamh, Oich ! is ole a radh ribh.
Gun gu’n diric sin air saorchu, do Mhac Robaird nan gruaig tigh,
O Loch Mhenachoir nan gleann gusda, is honmhor ceann curst air cli.
A bheil o Bheinne Ghulbain ghrianta, de mhadraidh suas gu sruth Toilbh,
Fios air sealgaibh sios a soigh, deare faighear o Chriosd uile oirbh.
Gu cluinneam ’us mi an Inbhirnise, miolchoin a sgaoileadh nan sgonn,
Mairg mu’n iadh boile nam boganach, gun Wiadh galar tuitmeach trom.
Sgiamhach con uailse a’s agad, air luchd-marbhaidh nan greidh glas,
Mac Dé la chridhe naomh neamhaidh, gu snaigh a chuain ainbheach as,
Loisg gach saobhaidh tha’n Sith Chailein, a Eoin Stiubhart nan steud breagh,
Mas beir uam gu’r sreith srannmhor, a chuain dhreunach ghreannar ribh.
Air Gharaidh Eoin steudghil Stiubhart, cha léir dhomh cabar gun cheann,
’Us iad air choillibh cas corrach, a chonairt ghlas mhuinge th ’ann.
Beannaich do theaghlach.
A h-Ughdair so Gillecallum Mac an Ollaimh.
Ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil, ni comhrag bhi ’n an eugmhais,
A chlann do b’ fhearr ’s a chruinne, gur dhiubh gach duine ceud,
Clann is saoire de ’r gheibh, an robh eangnath agus aghais,
Clann do ’r mhoil na tirean an robh creidimh ’us crabhadh.
Clann chunbhalach chalm chrodha, clann bu luaithe an am throd, .
Clann bu mhine am measg bheotha, ’us bu chalma a chog,
Clann bu lionmhor orra, do fhuair aithne ’us aireamh,
Clann nar chathaich air eaglais, clann le ’r am b’eagal an cdineadh,
Gach aon an Albainn uaine, a chlann is cruaidh ghabh baisde.
Dh’ an robh treas gach tire, seabhag fhial air ghaisge,
Clann bu mho ’us bu mhear, clann bu ghrinn ’us bu réidh,
Clann do ’m b’fharsuinn cridhe, do b’fhearr foighidin ’s féile,
Mic righ nior thoill an aor an robh diontachd a’s troma,
Fir allda uailse o’n uair, an robh bronntachd ’us bochda,
Clann do ’m b’fhearr fion’us fasgath, clann do ’m b’fhearr gaisge laimh,
72
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Olk lome gyrrit ernyth in ve lar sneyve in snaitht
Ner bait nyth drochir voyr na ni fir lowore lage
Re dol in nanit vole fir nach croye nyth cragi
Clann gin nouor gin naikgor- nar zove ach eddoil ohogge
Gar vonnyth den olsai is gar vonyth boddi
Mark vor ruggi in nyin mark a zyil rane gaddrew
Gyn nyne clann mir clann donil ser clann byth chorit agna
Gyn arew er yth urdil gyn concta er in dossew
Gyn creich gyn tuss gyn derra er anyth ag in olsewe
In dossych clynnyth donil de vee folim ga faynyth
Is di wi nane derryth fein is anyth is nar
Er vrone is er hursa dyth reyggis twgss is folym
Gyth inne orcht reggis ne heyvenis gin chlynn donil
Bi trane geith in torrin, fan acmaa chrionda corit,
Ga tayd in dew fa zevis, ne hevynis gin chlynn donil
Na sloye vor is in grinne, ym murn si myr si wonyth
Ne gorith vi na vaguss, ne hevynis gin clynn donil
_ Makane lave na wymmyth dor seryth er gych dorin
Ga ta ai zone delis ne hevynis gin chlynn donil. ©
Ne heyvynis.
OcCHAGANE is sai so in kenn di we er connil ny gormlane
In kenn za doaryth ein nwlli, di bossil ay is di binvin
Ochagane is sai so in towill di we in kenn connil knessi
In towle ma nea in narvryth di beale ee is boskirrych
Ochagane is a so in bail er nach doar filli fanskail
Bail tani is derkga na nwlle blass mallith er bail connil
Ochagane is a so in lawe we er connil mak skanlainn
Lawe firre bi chroeith in nymzwn lawe chonnil mi cheadinvin
Ochagane is a so in teive riss in seinmist ir sliss ser
Is sa maddi oo mwlli gow moil o laei ooyn er a heive
Ochagane is e so a chass nach teycha rooe leich za awivyf
Cass firri bi chroith in gaiew cass vec skanlane ska
Oych is sa in raa vee an connil gith traath mwcht
In nocht harrych nyth skail is sai balle nyn dear is ni noch
Ochagane.
A houdir so sayane chnoiddurt.
A chinn dermit a echarbre ga loyr hare agis toyill
Chay wor loymmi maid di zokgir ga teith i groith reith coyt
i i i oN
a a a,
APES Tio we Aa PET AES ee
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 73
Ole leam giorrad earnaidh, a bhith le ’r sniomhadh an snath,
Nior b’iad na droch fhir mhiodhar, no na fir liomhara, laga,
Ri dol ann an ionadaibh ole, fir nach cruaidhe a chraig.
Clann gun uabhar, gun eucoir, ’n uair gheibh iad eudail chogaidh,
G’ar bhuineadh daoine uailse, agus ’g ar bhuineadh bodaich,
Mairg o ’r rug an dion mairg a dheilich r’ an caidrimh,
Gun aon chlann mar chlann Domhuuil, saor chlann bu chomhrad aigne.
Gun aireamh air an urdail, gun chuntadh air an duaisibh,
Gun chrioch, gun tis, gun deireadh, air eineach aig an uailsibh.
An toiseach chlann Domhnuil, do bhi foghlum ’ga dithneadh,
Agus do bhi ’n an deireadh, fion ’us eineach ’us ndire.
Air bhron ’us air thursa, do ruigeas tuigse ’us foghlum,
Gach fhineadh orra ruigeas, ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil.
Bu treun gaoth an torrunn, fa ’n aicme chrionda chomhrad,
Ge taid an diugh fo dhimeas, ni h-aocibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil.
Na sloigh mhor’us an greann, am muirn,am meaghar s’ am foghainteachd,
Ni cdire bhi ’n an eugmhais, ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil.
Macan laimh a mhuime d’fhuair saoradh air gach doruinn,
Ge ta e dhuinne dileas, ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil.
Ni h-aoibhneas,
OcHAGAN ! is e so an ceann, do bhi air Conull nan gormlann,
An ceann dha ’n d’fhuaradh an iul, a b’uasail e ’us a b’ionmhuinn,
Ochagan ! is e so an t-suil do bhi an ceann Chonuill chneasda,
An t-suil mu’n iadh an fhabhrad, do b’fhialaidh i ’s a b’osgarach.
Ochagan ! is e so am beul air nach d’fhuair filidh fannsgeul,
Beul tana a’s deirge na ’n ubhal, blas meala air beul Chonuill,
Ochagan ! is e so an lamh, bha air Conull Mac Scannlain,
Lamh fir bu chruaidh an iomghuin, lamh Chonuill mo cheud ionmhuinn.
Ochagan ! is e so an taobh, ris an sineamaid ar slios saor,
Is e madadh o Muile gu maol o luidh Eoin air a thaobh.
Ochagan ! is i so a chos nach teicheadh roimh laoich dha bhitheadh,
Cas fir bu chruaidh an cathaibh, cas Mhic Scannlain sgiathach,
Oich! is e an rath bha an Conull gach trath an bhi moch
An nochd theirig mo sgeul is e baile nan deur ’us nan och,
Ochagan.
A h-Ughdair so Seathan Chnoideart.
A chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair, g’a leor aire agus tuaghal,
Cha mhor leam meud do dhocair, ge ta e cruaidh ri chuadh.
74
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Cha troyg lwmmi fad zroyk zrannicht, no geith glennich
Chay troyg lom gae id chaylow a chinn dermit echarbre
Mark a smein a veyym brayd nach bee nawa di chardis
Ocht is mark nar heilli teachta a chinn dermit echarbre
Di willi letti reith eillith far ymirt eine is argit
Ga tey in drillis wr eyrnich a chinn dermit echarbre
Reith eilli nin gorn coythoill na chur honor er chartin
Mark a chreachta a chness neafzall a chinn dermit echarbre
Invin loym a wass werri na zoythle oyr no argit
Is lar wansich fley is feyth a chinn dermit echarbre
Ka rom er reith nyn nestill in teith faskis la . . .
Duarrticht fest o feanon a chinn dermit echarbre.
A chinn dermit.
- Auctor hujus Gormlyee nee lyne.
Dwrsin wr er hwcht a neill dursin dowyn ir toyth er hoye
Gin terf in nolsyth na neif oss marf reith toyskyrte toye
Drwme re seill ewin in nae mir a zonee a zae wee
_ Wye er lyneff go leyr o clyne naill tayfrith in ter
Daik mee m‘cwlenane keif waa me ag mirogane mor
Di beyvin mo hell ag neell gall mo naeve go ner ag oill
Da zeywyn fleygh agus feine di verre crye di gi clar
Ma ta seyh in naeild neiwe keit nach beeow neif ag neell
Nocha naga fer mir neell di bi zale ae ach a zlownyth
Fa math a waysith si naewe tass a cheyve is glass a howle
Dass freich er in warga vor teik in zeith sin nart da nar
Di chrommi in neyl er a zlown logis gin scur erri gin naell
Ni warris sonis na schee ne skurris a zeith za glor
Gin nassith er chroymg na er chreif 0 wass re on wothirn wor
Tre wass v‘key in neell inde fa dolle dreym riss in dronig
Re gai beith coyth agis ewrn di heill chwyne is toyle teynn
Da essi is follew gi rath is trome mo chrye za chrow
Beith no zey gin deith ymbraach tayvir gin ta mir a dow.
Dwrsin.
Gormlee nee Lyne.
Ber a vanne lett di choss tokg in ness di heyve naill
Is rawor churris di chree er in tee la leyvfin feynn
Ro adde a teith a vanne har a cur cree er naill nar
‘ = ae ae a a
a
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 75
Cha truagh leam fo do ghruaidh ghreannaich, na gaoithe gleannaich,
Cha truagh leam ’gad cheangladh, a chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair.
Mairg an smuain a bha am braghad, nach bu naimhdeas do chairdeas,
Och is mairg ’n uair shaoileadh teachd, a chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair.
Do mhilleadh leat’ Righ Ile, fear imirt fhion *us airgid,
Dha ta an trillis dr earnach, a chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair.
Righ Ile nan corn cuachail, a chuireas onoir air chairdean, —
Mairg a chreuchd a chneas neamhgheal, a chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair.
Tonmhuinn leam a bhos mhear nach doichleadh or no argiod,
’Us le’r b’annsa fleadh ’us fiadhach, a chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair.
Tarram air Righ nan Abstol an ti a phaisgeas le a fheartaibh,
D’a fhurtachd am feasd o phianaibh, a chinn Diarmaid O’Charbair.
~ A chinn Diarmaid.
Auctor hujus Gormlaidh nic Fhlainn.
Dursan tir air uchd an Neill, dursan doimhne fhir tuaith air ’uaigh
Gun tairbhe an uailse na niamh, o’s marbh righ tuaisgearta tuaith.
Druim ri saoghal aoibhin an aigh, mar a ghonadh dha a bhi,
Bhi air a shloinneadh gu léir o Chloinn Neill ta fri an tir.
_ DW’ fhag mi Mac Cuilenain caomh do bha mi aig Muireagain mdr,
Do b’aoibhin mo shaoghal aig Niall, geal mo niamh gun eur ag 01.
Do gheibhinn fieagh agus fion, do bheireadh credh do gach cléir,
Ma tha se an dail n-aoin, ciod nach bitheadh neamh aig Niall ?
Nocha n’fhac mi fear mar Niall, do bu gheal e ach a ghlin,
Fa maith a mhaise ’s a niamh, taise a chiabh ’us glas a shiil.
Dh’ fhas fraoch air an fhairge mhoir, tig a ghaoth ’s a neart de ’n ear,
Do chrom an Niall air a ghlin leigeas gun sgur air gun eala ;
Ni bheireas sonas no sith, ni sguireas a ghaoth dhe a gloir, ;
Gun easbhuidh air chronag no air chraoibh, o bhas righ o’n mhuirn mhor ;
Troimh bhas Mhic Aoidh O’Neill an dé, fa duilich dream ris an droing,
Righ ge b’e cuach agus cuirn, do shiol Chuinn is tuaghal teann; __
D’a easbhuidh is falamh gach rath, is trom mo chridhe d’a chruth,
Bhi ’n a dheigh gun dith am brath, an t-aobhar gu tathamar dubh.
Dursan.
Gormlaidh nic Fhlainn.
Beir, a mhanaich, leat do chos, tog a nis de thaobh an Néill,
Is ro mhor a chuireas do chré air an ti le ’n luidhinn féin ;
Ro fhada a ta a mhanaich shiar a’cur cré air Niall an dir,
76
THE BOOK OF [ ANCIENT.
Go kayn voyt a charre zonn na bonny di wonni re lay
Na dowin gi daein in noye oich a chleyrre troye di hoisg
Toygga di neyll zlowndow zail ber a wanne lat di choss
M‘eneyll in noyr inn ne dyn zoyn a we fa chriss
Faykgir a lechta is a ert ber a wanne lat di choss —
Is mee gormlay chummis ryne nee lyne chroith . . .
Na beith tessew er a lecht ber a wanne lett di choss.
Ber.
CREATHTITH sin a vakkeive vor ga bee sloye ler harli how
Ga ta tow gi tursich tinni is doe linni di weith fa clowth
X c long a greyg ni gayill is gin di weith ach trear sae
Di zayssi zoyve naew tarm is lea ymmirwe nassi ymboe
In sloyg sin gin nymit sleyg ne ymboe far weithe eicth.
Warwidir di hessir ser hugit id heive ymit caich
Zid turtich er neiw di zonni gwysyth ort agis gwe feynn
Er murrith waythr ni bocht mi pheddir lat is mo chre
Creathtih.
A houdir so so feylim m‘ dowle.
Ne math swille sin donich ga bee chongvis in ter
Ne math meith clowth a chenich ne math fammyth mnaei begh
Ne math screyve gin oylwme ne math coyrin gi gortyth
Ne math erle gin wearle ne math marrych na voddych
Ne math espic gin varrin ne math aneive er hanor
Ne math saggirt er laithwlli ne math parsone gith derrell
Ne math longfort gin nimirt ne math innilt gi roith lessga
Ne math earlow gin termin ne math tempill gin relik
Ne math ben gin weith narrich ne far clarsich gin tead
Ne math coggith gin chalmyth ne math gawle phort gin warrich
Ne math meydin gith kantich ne math deyvris ir aneich
Ne math caslane gin iyr ne math darmit chon teach
Ne math gin wrrwm daithyr ne math lawirt ne meshga
Ne math skaane gin yvir ne math cleynith ni bree
Ne math cardis nin newill did vak a reithin rath our
Ga zoyrsee seill aw ne math zawsin a chroichyth
Ne math leyor gin twsgsyth ne math dwnni gin charit
Ne math fillith gin yvir ne math eilcloth gin tallyth
et co ee :
Cire i oe any *
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 77
Gu caoin uait a chara dhuinn, na buineadh do bhuinn ri lar ;
Na duin gu dion an uaigh och! a chleirich truagh do thoisg,
Tog de Niall ghlundubh gheal, beir, a mhanaich, leat do chos ;
Mac O’Neill an oir fhinn, ni de’m dheoin e bhi fo chrios, ~
__ Fagair a leachd ’us a fheart, beir a mhanaich leat do chos ;
Is mi Gormlaidh chumas rainn, nic Fhlainn chruaidh o Dhin rois |
Na bi ad sheasamh air a leachd, beir a mhanaich, leat do chos.
i Beir a mhanaich.
CREUCHDADH sin, a mhaca mhoir, ge bith sluagh le’r tharladh thu,
Ge ta tu gu tuirseach tinn, is toil leinn do bhi fo chlit ;
Deich ceud long a Greig nan Gaidheal, is gun do bhi ach triar saor,
Do ghabhas dhoibh neimh @’ arm, ’us le iomarbhaidh an fhad ’s am bed ;
_ An sluagh sin gon iomadh sleagh, ni am bed fear bhi eachda,
_ Mharbhadar do sheisir saor, thug iad a’d thaobh iomadh cath ;
Dh’ ad fhurtachd air nimh do ghuinidh, guidheas ort agus guidh féin,
Air Muire mathair nam bochd, mo phaidear leat agus mo chreud.
Creuchdadh.
naa Sern bs 6)
Is e ughdair so Pheilim Mac Dhughaill.
_ Ni maith siubhal ’s an domhnaich ; ge bith chumas an t-saor.
_ Ni maith michliu a chinnidh ; ni maith feamachd mnatha beith.
Ni maith sgriobhadh gun fhoghluim ; ni maith caoruinn gu goirt.
Ni maith Iarla gun bheurla ; ni maith maraich ’na bhodach.
Ni maith easpuig gun bharun ; ni maith ainimh air sheanair. *
Ni maith sagairt air leth shila ; ni maith parson gu dearoil.
Ni maith longphort gun imirt ; ni maith innilt gu ro leisg.
Ni maith earfhlaith gun tearmunn ; ni maith teampull gun reilig.
Ni maith bean gun bhi naireach ; no fear clarsaich gun teud.
Ni maith cogadh gun chalmachd ; ni maith gabhail phort gun mharaich.
Ni maith maighdean gu cainteach ; ni maith doibhreas fhir ainfheich.
Ni maith caslan gun oighre ; ni maith dearmad chon teach.
a Ni maith gun urram d ’athair ; ni maith labhairt na misge.
- Ni maith sgian gun fhaobhar ; ni maith claonadh: na breth.
Ni maith cairdeas nan diabhul ; do ’d mhac a rioghain rath oir,
Ge dh’ fhoir se siol Adhaimh, ni maith dhasan a chroiche.
Ni maith leughair gun tuigse ; ni maith duine gun charaid.
Ni maith filidh gun aobhar ; ni maith aoilchludh gun talla.
ad on ee
78 ; THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Ne math eadyth gin owkkith ne math sowkgryth gin garrith
Ne math meizneive aworrith ne math poissith gin nanyth
Ne math corroyn gin warrith ne math traive sin neich
Ne math eyggiss gin chawis ne math craw gin nenich.
Ne math.
Di quhoye missi robert feyn di vanistir in ney nwnni
Agis neir leagow mee is steach o nach royth mo venni fer rum.
Foyacu lam anit a treyl foach lam clar er ym beith ben
Foyach lam dobbroyn is doith neill foyach lam balle mor gin zann ©
Foyach lam droch wen ag far math foyach lam flath er ym be groyme
Foyach lam doech annin is he der foyach lam donyth ser gyn stoyme
Foyach lam a choggi na heith nach a leggir a neith mane seacht
Foyach lam kannort garwe chroy foyach lam sloge nach dany cacht
Foyach lam beith faddi ri port foyach lam weith gi holg fane weig
Foyach lam ben eaddor is ee drow foyach lam con nach marw in feygh
Lesk lam dol in nerrin schear 0 nach marrin brane na fonn
Foyach lam brantrych ‘gin wea marri foyach lam far is agne tromm
Foyach lam caillicht is olk naill agis a tangyth gi bar loith
Ne ea dwm a chorri in geyll gith neith in duggis feyn foath.
Foath.
Gerroyd erle.
Marga a leymis herryth a each tuggi gi nach less in naaill
Gin dimeich mi chwddi orm feyn ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
Mi wallich a mesgi nyth banni ga di weym schalli no in daill
Mer rew hay gin cheyle ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
A zayg a zeyrris gi moch ne weith scheith gin locht no dale
Da ganfeit ne by leyr ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
Farre lay heine wneith weiss gin rath far nach math in dossith nawe
Na kead lollich a neith geym ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
A wennith a neith in testyth dowf a zestis re gow is re glaiw
Mar gi bi na clossew keyr ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
Carit sche ferk er a fer keichlai genn riss gith dawe
ee Ne ee
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 79
Ni maith eididh gun fhucadh ; ni maith stgradh gun ghiire. —
Ni maith mighniomh aghmhora ; ni maith pdsadh gun dithne ;
Ni maith coroin gun bhar ; ni maith treabhadh ’s an oidhche. '
Ni maith eigeas gun chaomhas ; ni maith crabhadh gun aithne.
Ni maith. .
Do chaidh mise Robart féin, do mhainisdear an dé a nunn,
Agus nior leigeadh mi a steach, o nach robh mo bhean marrium.
FuATHACH leam bhi annaid a triall; fuathach leam clar air am bi bean ;
Fuathach leam dobhrén’us dubhneul ; fuathach leam baile mdr gun ghean ;
Fuathach leam droch bhean aig fear maith ; fuathach leam flath air am bi
gruaim ;
Fuathach leam deoch anmhuinn ’us e daor ; fuathach leam duine saor gun
Fuathach leam a chogadh ’n a shith ; nach leig a ni mu’n seach; [stuaim ;
Fuathach ceannard garbh cruaidh ; fuathach leam sluagh nach dean cath ;
Fuathach leam bhi fad ri port ; fuathach leam bhi gu h-ole mu’n bhiadh ;
Fuathach leam bean eudmhor ’us i drith ; fuathach leam ci nach marbh
Leasg leam dol an Eirinn siar, o nach marrainn Brian nam fonn ; [am fiadh ;
Fuathach leam bantrach gun bhi mear ; fuathach leam fear’us ’aigne trom ;
Fuathach leam cailleach is ole neul, agus a teangaidh gu beur luath ;
Ni fhaodam a chur an ceill, gach ni dha ’n tugas féin fuath.
Fuathach.
Gearailt Iarla.
Mairg a leumas thar a each, tuigeadh gach neach leis an aill,
Gun d’imich mo chuid orm féin, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
Mo mhallachd am measg nam ban, ge do bhitheam seall ’n an dail,
M’ fhearaibh tha gun chéile, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
A gheug a dh’ eireas gu moch, ni bhi sith gun lochd n’a dail,
Da canfaid ni bu lé¢ir, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh. [{ndmh,
Fear le h-aon mhnaoi bhitheas gun rath, fear gun mhaith an toiseach
Na ceud lullaich a ni geum, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
A bhean a ni an t-¢isdeachd domh, a dh’ éisdeas ri guth ’us ri glaodh,
Mar gum bitheadh ’n a cluasaibh céir, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
Cuiridh si fearg air a fear, caochladh gean ris gach daimh,
80 THE BOOK OF [ANCTENT.
Curresceith nedrumi a keyme ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
Da wakgit sche schillith a sowllith di zillanyth or won... .
Ne zanic sche richt ach leym ne ell feym be riss na mnawe
Da wakkeith maedin or oyge za in durri poyk gith saive
Da ymbeith bayl deith weith er clar ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
Powysyth won altir is woyn cheill a laif in taggirt zrinn zrae
Dolle gi holgith is a mayn ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe
Ne elli feym be riss nyth mnawe is eydde a glayf is a verg
Gi neach nach curri syn a geyll ne heddir nach d feyn is mark.
Marg.
Auctor hujus Andro tosschych.
Scoyd neyn dnnche a hayd eine scoyd is mow pleyd sloywg
Scoyd ag dae is a wreeith scoyd ni geith a harbill roy
Heill ni toythin mi vea balve is ni tre hoyvir gin ran woyme.
Auctor hujus im bard m‘ynteir.
Cred eith in long soo er loch inchsyth na veadis a haithrynsyth
Cred hug in long er in loch is nach feadi ni fwnni a follych
Eaffre de bail lamm ka lar leggi in leythin
Er in locht fa lane fergith gith muth fa dail deveit
In garve zeith varri benni no in synteith serve schrowth zlen
Zoydith in cherwe won claddych er in choyne zarve zoyssidych
Ogleich chonnik in charve er in schrowth oyhorr ag garve
Keddey a heynyth na hynsyth na feyryth za forrinsyth
Senn long gin nearni gin derri ner iddir sinni a sawilt
Neyn lwng eith zi laythir lane gou twnni ni haythir imlane
Bwrdi zi skythew deilloik dowth o correw seiss na slissew
Tarni gin oyyme gai foyme er a woythchin ard inhor .
Cred ee in lowht oyd sin lwg zoe ga torrin eddir honnew
An Iweht gin cheddrew gin cheyll baantrych in naknyth awree
Boein wroskgilyth wrewnych lot wr donnyth dechewnych
Scherryth connissych keikrych gyn nith donnith droch zentych
Droch lorg is laywryth fa linni coissryth cley nanyth cotchin
Flesk in goara gin choomn meskyth oyranith eddrwme
Coissryth tone zarve nin dolle tee ma za liss locha hynsith
Di boyl lit sin lwngi gi leyr er zrwme oyrree in nagwaill
Ben waith ne lawyth sin lwng lyit a heagin aggin |
Beith ni mnawen is melsith er a vurri fest gin chaich ga in gowr
LS ee eens
a
~ on.
Oi i ee
|
MODERN. } THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 8r
Cuiridh si an eudruime a cetim, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
Da faiceadh si sileadh an sila, do ghillean tron...
Ni dheanadh si ruith ach leum, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
Da faiceadh maighdean tr dg, dha’n toireadh pdg gu stimh,
Da am bi beul do bhi air clar, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
Pdsadh o’n altar ’us o’n chill, 4 laimh an t-sagairt ghrinn ghraidh,
A dol gu h-ole ’us a mein, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh.
Ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh, is iad an glaodh ’us an fhearg,
Gach neach nach cuir sin an céill, ni h-eudar nach da féin is mairg.
Mairg.
Is e ughdair so Anndradh Toiseach.
Sgoid nighinn Dunchaidh a Thaid, aon sgoid is mo pleid sluaigh,
Sgoid aig Daibhidh ’us a mhnaoi, sgoid na gaoith 4 h-earball ruaidh.
Shaoil na tuathan mi bhi balbh, ’us na tr) aobhar gun ran uam.
Is e tghdair so am bard Mac an t: saoir.
- Creud i an long so air Loch Innse, na dh’ fheudas a aithris,
Creud thug an long air an loch, nach faod na fuinn a folach.
Fedrach do b’aill leam, cia le ’r leigeadh an lion,
Air an loch fa lan feirge, gach mugha fa dail do bhi.
An garbh ghaoth bhar beinne, no na sianta searbh sruth ghlinne,
Gheibhteadh a chairbh o’n chladach, air a chuan gharbh ghuaisideach.
Oglaich, a chunnaic a chairbh, air an t-sruth aghmhora gharbh,
Ciod e a h-ioghnadh ’n a innseadh na fhuaireadh d ’a foirinnse ?
Seann long gun iarna gun deireadh, nior idir sin a samhailt,
An aon long de leathar lan, gu tuinn ni thathar iomlan.
Buirde de sgiathaibh deileig dubh, o coiribh sios ’n a sliosaibh,
Tairgne gun fheum ’g a faitheam, air a fuath chinn ard eanchair.
Creud i an luchd oighe ’s an long dhubh, ’g a tarruing eadar thonnaibh,
An luchd gun chaidrimh gun chiall, bantraich an aigne aibhrigh,
Buidhean bhrosgalach bhruidhneach, lod tr dona deuchainneach,
Sior chonasach, ciocrach, guineach, dona, droch-dheantach ;
Droch lorg ’us labhradh fa leinn, coisridh cleamhanach coitchin,
Fleasg an comhradh gun chom, misgeach, oranach, eudrom ;
Coisridh ton-gharbh nan dollaidh, ta ma dha shlios Loch Innse,
Do buaileadh leatsa an long gu léir, air dhruim odhar an eugbhail ;
Bean mhaith ni lamhadh ’s an luing, liuthad a h-éigin againn,
Bithidh na mnathan is miosa air a mhuir, feasd gun cach ’g an cobhar. —
6
82 THE BOOK OF —— [aNommnr.
Royegir in long as in locht er in saill schrowth zarve swlich
Geith in lanvin ni lwg gow senn row nyth sanenych
Faik myn er in schrow seithnyth in long zonnicht zroithzenych
Si lane di wantrych ni baid sin taaill gin salmmi gin saale chread.
Creaddyth,
TORRISKALLE tyllich zownnolle grass lag wo ni dimmon tread
Innin din wroid sin is din waddyth keithkr gow foill wradde ead. .
A houdir so oone m’murreich.
Nawyth zoe in dane da in dwgi cach sowd
Na lig a vekzey mee si feane in dew
Beg a heyle in skol mi zayn a zoll fowm
A dayn tarle rinn is schea zi weill meith
Is moo wulle dim zeith riss fa thre na ee
A tegwaill doo zowf di weith clooch no skay
Air wen in dayn deim is mor meith is merg
Kness mir chow er tonn glak chor is. . .
Bail er dath nyn sowe trog mo chrow er schare
Od chotlysyth in ryir troyg a zea mo chorr
Di we sche far rowm er lwm kin gar royve
Gin ee ann 0 loo di choy er wroin doyth
Tin neach feicht coole russ is trom ri raye
Coyk fleska nin sneim it ta in nanm ni mna
Troyg gin eie fame wree er ni bree o cha...
Da wyginsyth feyne gi rar hor in daw
Slygh chonchwllin charn each teyg in teach bane
Skayth corkrych kin zayk fai meith head er chath
Schewle eeche v‘erge ga mor sin ra raye
Owch is mo fa rer mo zeith riss in dane.
Duncha ma pharsone.
Allex’ in di threig tw in zroyme na in vead schew a cur roeyve er layr,
In dan schewe in bliyn gin zey na ym beith scheve mir schen gi brach
Cheith nein doaris di zen o teith tow gi schen laeth
Maiss er zroyme veiss in rath is mor hoayr how zi wath o zea.
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 83
Ruagar an long as an loch air an t-sail sruth gharbh siubhlach,
Gaoth an leanmhuinn na luinge, gu seann rubh nan Seananach.
Fagaidh mi air an t-sruth seana, an long ghuineach dhroch-dheantach,
’S a lan de bhantraich nam beud, ’s an t-sdil gun salma gun sal chreud.
Creud.
TUAIRISGEUL teaghlaich Dhunollaimh, gras lag 0 na d’ioman treud ;
Tonann do ’n bhriid sin ’us do ’n mhadadh, ciocrach gu feoil bhradaidh iad.
Is e ughdair so Eoin Mac Mhuirich.
Nimheach dhomh an dan, da an tuig cach sud,
Na leig a Mhic Dhé, mi ’s a phéin an diugh.
Beag a shaoil an sgoil, mo dhan a dhol fo bhinn
An dan tarladh ruinn, is si do mhill mi,
Is mo a bheil de ’m ghaoth, ris fa thri na i,
A teugbhail dubh dhomh, do bhi cloch ’na sgeith.
Air bhean an dain tiom, is mor m’fhioch ’us m’fhearg,
Cneas mar chobhar tonn, glac chorr is deirge.
Beul air dath nan sigh, tug mo chruth air soirthe,
O’d chodladsa an raoir, truagh a Dhé mo chor.
Do bhi si far rium, air leam gun giire robh,
Gun i ann o 10, do chaidh air bhrdn domh.
Duibh na fitheach a cul, ruis is trom a radh,
Coig fleasg ’n an snaim, a ta an ainm na mnath.
Truagh gun i fo ’m bhreith, air a breith o chach,
Da fhaighinnse féin, gu ri’r fhuair an daimh.
Sleagh Chonchulain charna, each Taoigh an eich bhain,
Sgiath chorcrach gun ghaig, fa maith h-iad air chath,
Siubhal eich Mhic Eire, ge mor sin ri radh,
Och is mo fa réir, mo ghaoth ris an dan.
Duncha Mac Phearsoin.
Alastair, an do threig thu a ghruaim, no am faod sibh a cur uaith air lar,
An @fhan sibh am bliadhna gun Dhia, no ’m bi sibh mar sin gu brath,
Chaoidh ni ’n d’fhuaireas do ghean, o ta tu gu sean liath, [o Dhia.
Ma ’s ann air gruaim a bhitheas an rath, is mor a fhuair thu a mhaith
84 THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Carrurir weith er oye in ir er fert allx™ oye ree
Di chansit brayr reith gin wreyk osskanni ni flath finzreyk
Dowirt in kaid er zeyve di wemirin ney fane reith
Sloye in doythin troyeg in dayll gay id taa in dew na anythrane
Di weith in ney dey reith in donane dwnne na warkkeich er tallwon truma
Ga zea in tallow id ta in newe na warkkeich er a wonsin
Id dowirt in tress owdir glik weith ym beith in ney ag m‘phillip
In newe ag nocha nell a heacht troeith zin talwon
Allex' murnych mor allexandir hesgeith ergit is oyr
In newe erss in carrew far id ta in toyr gi hasgaissey
Mak phillip phelm oss crannew in ree oss ni readlainew
In toyr oss ni scheadew slane in meill moyr ossin braddane
In loyvin oss charrew gin blyi in nirwoye ossin nane laithe
Sleyw scheioyne oss gi sleywe slayne oss gi schrow schrow oyrrelane
In laik loyor oss ni cloichew in wurri oss minroythew
Sownirrich in warrith gin none ayne erri oss errow tallwon
Ayne err oss errew tallwon acht reith neyve is neyve hallwone
Reith teynni nin draid is nin dork kenni nin gaid agus nin garrith
Choyraa nin nowdir a beir er deacht er oye in nard reith
Ne chosswill ra beith zlar bainn er chansidir in caithrir.
Caithrir.
A howdir soo ooyne m‘murreich.
Fir albin is ne eayd a wayne mir marrin m‘gregar
Kay leine di chorreich a chossgir maiss olli er allestir.
Finlay ym bard royg say howird soo.
Gyllyth gith seith zin each oozr gylli di weithis issi
Fo hee woyichis si chossni gi neith loyis missi
Urrwme a loytha ga cossew gow roythir a wreiss
Notythseith neynyth a tressi si cheillith ga soiwe
Ne oonyn sayd da caythwe re yig a reiyth
Ne ym braik torriskall in eachsin stead loyildach gast
In dow seywlin is ray is coswil na iyr in lay macha
Ga zarrik ym maid sie gossnew ne hor eaid na ir nathna
Mir bi kithly geith di knokew roith ni seith in dachis
Mor cayd lor awsych a swil hed mir hawsyth scachew
Each in nee serrith ri sayid a gneiwreith is granta
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 85
CEATHRAR bhi air uaigh an fhir, air feart Alastair uaibhrich,
Do chansaid briathra gun bhréig, os cionn an fhlatha Fionnghréige.
Dubhairt an ceud fhear dhiubh, do bhitheamar an dé fa ’n righ,
Sluagh an domhain, truagh an dail, ge a ta an diugh ’na aonardn.
Do bhi an dé righ an domhain duinn, ’n a mharcach air talmhainn truime,
Gur e an talamh a ta an diugh, ’n a mharcach air a mhunsan.
A dubhairt an treas ughdair glic, bhi am bith an dé aig Mac Philip,
An diugh aige nocha ’n ’eil, ach seachd troidh dhe ’n talmhainn.
Alastair muirneach mor, Alastair thasgadh airgiod ’us or,
An diugh ars’ an ceathramh fear, a ta an t-dr ’g a thasgadhsa.
Mac Philip a phailm os chrannaibh, an ré os na reultanaibh,
An t-dr os na seudaibh slan, am mial mor os na bradanaibh.
An leoghan os chairbhe gun bhlagh, am fireun os na h’eunlaith,
Sliabh Shioin os gach sliabh slin, os gach sruth sruth Iordain.
An leug liomharra os na clachaibh, a mhuir os na minshruthaibh,
Sonmharach am fear gun on, aon fhear os fearaibh talmhainn.
Aon fhear os fearaibh talmhainn ach righ neimh is neo thalmhaidh,
Righ tinne nan treud ’s nan tore, ceann nan ceud ’s nan garaidh.
Cdmhradh nan ughdair a b ’fhior, air teachd air h-uaigh an airdrigh,
Ni cosmhuil ri baothghloir bhan, a’r chansadar an ceathrar.
Ceathrar.
Is e ughdair so Eoin Mac Mhuirich.
Fir Albain ’us ni iad a mhadin, mar marrainn Mac Grigoir,
Cia lion do chorruich a chosgair, maise uile air Alastair.
Fionnladh am bard ruadh is e thubhairt so.
Gaidhealach gach sith dhe ’n each odhar, gaidheal do bhitheas ise, |
Fa h-i a bhuadhaicheas ’s a chosnadh, gach ni a luaidheas mise,
Urram a luaithe dh’ a cosaibh, gu ruathar a bhris.
Nodasach neimhneach a treise, ’s a chill ge soitheamh,
Na h-eoin siad do chathadh ri aghaidh a ruith.
Ni breug tuairisgeul an eich sin, steud luailteach gasd,
An Dubh-seimhilin is rithe is cosmhuil, na aidhre an Lamacha.
Co ionraic am meud ’s an cosnadh, ni fhuair iad r’a ’r n-eachne,
Mar bhi caochladh gaoithe de chnocaibh, ruith ’n a sith an t-each so.
Mor ceud le’r annsa a siubhal, theid mar amhas seachaibh,
Each a ni searrdha ri saighid, a gniomhara is grannta, -
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Leggis bann dossli a reith sin roythwr ma raithis
Ga fad in neachle rompyth ner anneith ym merkyth
Ga beg a wollich in neachsin a commis re altew
Coy zess a boy sa sowil in groyth syn laythith
Eggill in neych er gi donyth tegwe in gress chath
Ym weacht ym weayin in gomisk is each bray in teachsin
Grainyth er a vor each gi vasgill in genn chor wratty
Ver in stoyg ullingyth hogryth urrwme sloyg za in merkych
Hed one chorri di weith er hossi in mor each meine masklych
Berre boye reith agis choskir ga teith in nor eskir
Gow hassge oorchrissi wllew mor crith er faiche
Gow beithga cronni layvin crowich meine drumelayn dattyth
Each fa horriskail an neichsin di cholyth ma agga
Ca royve sessi reyve fa chommis ne vestyth in layth macha
M‘gregor kennord in neichsin trane na zlan phort philli
Tigfeit one vanve gai wollith in nalbin ga hirri
Fer churris argnyth er zallew is arbsi ra zyllyth.
Finlay royg in bard.
Fad id tam gin woyg awghall doyth is meicht
Hanith teim hawyth as in ner zleicht
Is say connir a hayvin darre slat wir
Gow flath rane ni gaywill fer nar ayr lwth swill
Gow m‘gregar denyth is kenn din nyth skollew
Na bea neweine fallew dleeir zom a wollith
Gow fer is trane coorri in dossyth gith sawre
Ni in sawth za wee be a nawch gith hawle
Ner heyrissaid ummyth gregorre na gadew
Bayh a chail ym vogryth gra traa ossni tradow
Oone is kenn din traitsen ri hoor creach a zawell
Heyris feynyth cooyll bail re bail syth chawar
Nor a chee tylych armezar v‘gregar ym ballicht
Slee veine na chorrych ne berri rew in nalicht
Noor chinnidir a choyrk ga zerim in greith nawit
Is riss fene di heiwic in rycht gail is wrawit
Di waissew v‘cregar toor chaach er a chowlaw
Gin dyill re denew is gith meyr na zownych
Nor zagwm mi woyg ym ess er lar trot
Me ginsith mi wwk sai is milsith la mydda
Ga zolk in locha wir mi zeillonis insith
Gin claa lani ni longsith say er lay caith is milsyth
2 a aA i i i i ee
MODERN. ] ‘THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 87
Leigeas bann Wuailsibh a ruith, ’s an ruathar mar rachas,
Ge fad an eachlaidh roimpe, nior aineimh a marcach,
Ge beag a mholadh an t-each sin, a coimeas ri ealtaibh.
Co dheas a buaidh ’s a siubhal, an cruaidh ’s an Jathaich,
Eagal an eich air gach duine, tigeadh an greas catha.
Am feachd, am fiadhain, an coimeasg, is each breagh an t-each sin,
Greann air a mhor each sin, ’ga mhasguill an ceann chorr bhrataich.
Bheir an stuagh fhulaingeach thograch, urram sluaigh dh’a marcach,
Theid 0 ’n choire do bhi air thoiseach, am mor each min masgalach.
Beiridh luaidh ruith ’us chosgair, ge ta an uair fheasgair,
Gu thaisgeadh or-chrios ullamh, mor chrith air faiche.
Gu biodhgath, cruinn, leamhainn, crodhach, min, druim leathan, daite,
Each fa thuairisgeul an eich sin, do chuala mi aca,
Cia robh seis riamh fa choimeas, ni bheisd an Lamacha.
Mac Grigoir ceannard an eich sin, treun a ghlain phort filidh,
Tigead o ’n Bhanbha ’g a mholadh, an Albain ’g a shireadh.
Fear chuireas airgneadh air Ghallaibh, ’us earbsadh ri ’Ghaidhealaibh.
Fionnladh ruadh am bard.
Fad a taim gun bhuaidh, ’fhaigheal domh is mithich,
_ Thainig time thamhach, as an aoradh dhligheach,
Is e conair a theighinn, d’ iarraidh slait mhir,
Gu flath treun nan Gaidheal, far nar fhaighear luchd suaill.
Gu Mac Grigoir dion, is ceann air na sgoilibh,
Ni bhi neomhin falamh, dlighear dhomh a mholadh.
Gu fear is treun cdir, an toiseach gach samhradh,
Ni an samhach dha bhi, bithidh an amhaich gach h-amhuil.
’N uair theireas iad uime, Grigoir nan ceuda,
Bithidh a chail am fogradh, gu trath os na treudaibh,
Eoin is ceann do ’n treud sin, righ fhuair creach a ghabhail,
Theireas féin ceol, beul ri beul ’s a chamhar.
"N uair a chi teaghlach armgheur, Mhic Grigoir am Bealach,
Slighe mhin ’n a choire, ni b’eire riu an eallach.
’N uair chinneadar a shombhrag.’ g a ghairm an cridhe sh at
Is ris féin do theigheadh, an riochd goile ’us bhraghaid.
De mhaisibh Mhic Grigoir, tothair chath r’ a chulthaobh,
Gun diol ri daoinibh, ’us gach meodhar ’n a dhina,
’"N uair dh’ fhagam mo bhuaidh, am éis air lar trod,
Mi ag innseadh mo mhic ’s e is millse le ’m oide.
Ge h-ole an loch mhir mo dheileanas innseadh,
Gon cliath lan loingsich ’s e air la cath is millse.
a al RE igh Oo
THE BOOK. OF | ' [ANCIENT.
Cwne gym beym roythit v‘gregar gin naga
Re yig gi troti a dail sayd fadda fadda
Allissaid ossill ympeich my weadda
A wen ni geyve bogga ga wanni a clar fadda.
Fadda.
A houdir soo duncha m‘challin in riddiri math.
Kay din phleydda is ken oe o zi testa in dey zwni
Ta na deorri er ess in ir in phleydda gin tror ra fagsin
Ta na delicht ga zolk linn in pleyd er naik zi lochlyn
Is bayd sin er layr gith liss in pleyd er essew oliss
Ma hest ne choil mee layt lochlin er lay
O chrowich dea ni denith is cowe ee ear genyth
I. gin wayr gin ayr in pleydd vocht er anffeine
Er nayk v‘wretne vind a cretsin creyd nach keinfinn
Noch cho nel dwn er doythin do ne in pleyd a voerythchin
Er naik lochlin is layff linn olk in skailsen in nerrin
Ka zearis sporrane vegga ka zearis no snaydda
Ka zearis droch woynn gin dalf o testa lochlin layfherf
Ka zearis broik dowe ka zearis ni bowklin
Ka zearis breydda brawyd ka er kenn pleyd is fannayda
Ka zearis essit da wroiga ka zearis skayth feichok
Ka zearis ey za chriss ka neith leaf gi inliss
Ka zearis sen adda peillith ka zearis lowr leyin
Ka zearis deitta gow mowch ka er ym beith eyttow armycht
Ka zearis botin is spur ka zearis froygin aithchur
Ka zearis meskan is men ka zearis schesgane schoggill
Ka zearis spayn in sporrane ka in neith sollar gin nayr
O hest lochlin leywych ka ness ir neyvir zayr
Ka zearis leynte ban oyga er ess lochlin na senvroigga
Da eaksen is troyg in dail ka la nerrir in coarane
Ka zoyddis doss a zillith ka nach abir ferrine
Ka is leaf tryle a baada ka zearis no sencharda
Ka zearis cark le hoeow ka zearis leim keilwoe
Ka zearis corlycht in kerk in dey in dorlycht argit
Ka zearis prenyth gin chenn ka is fer layfin gomis cotchinn
Gin iyr er lochlin da ess dolli na eak re fassness
Ka zearis dowane is droif ka zearis dorssi dosklyth
Ka zearis binit gin wreith ka lay sirrir gith inneith
Ka nach doyr peyn di vocht ka zearis neith er ternocht
Ka zreisses gi groy oyd cheich ka weiss gi croy um v‘neith
i ae 5
MODERN. } THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 89
Cuimhnich gun bitheam romhad, Mhic Grigoir gun agadh,
Ri aghaidh gach trod an dail siad fada, fada.
Ealasaid uasail iompaich mo mheuda,
A bhean nan ciabh boga, dh’ am buin an clar fada.
Fada.
Is e ughdair so Dunchadh Mac Chailein, an Ridir maith.
Co de ’n bhleid is ceann uidh, o do theasdadh an deagh dhuine,
Tha na dedir air éis an fhir, a bhleid gun treoir ri fhagsainn.
Tha ’n a dileachd gu h-ole leinn, a bhleid air eugadh do Lachlainn,
Us beud sin air lar gach lios, a bhleid air easbhuidh edlais.
Ma theasd ni chuala mi, leithid Lachlainn air leth,
O chruthaich Dia na daoine, is cumha e air cinneadh,
E gun mhathair, gun athair, a bhleid bhochd air anmhuinn,
Air n-eug Mhic Bhreatnaidh bhinn, a chreuchdsan creud nach caoininn.
Nocha-n ’eil duine air domhain, do ni a bhleid a mhuirichinn, ©
Air n-eug Lachlainn is leughadh leinn, ole an sgeul sin an Eirinn.
Co dh’ iarras sporan bheag, co dh’ iarras no snathad ?
Co dl’ iarras droch bhonn gun Gealbh, o theasd Lachlainn Jaimh sheirbh ?
Co dh’. iarras brdg dhubh, co dh’ iarras na bucailean ?
Co dh’ iarras bréid braghbaid, co air ceann bleid is fanaide ?
Co dh’ iarras asaichte de bhroig, co dh’ iarras sgiath pheacoic ?
Co dh’ iarras aedh dh’ a chrios, co ni leibh gach ainleas ?
Co dh’ iarras seann ada peillidh, co dh’ iarras leabhar leighin ?
Co dh’ iarras diota gu moch, co air am bith eideadh armach ?
Co dh’ iarras botan ’us spuir, co dh’ iarras fraoghan aithghearr ?
Co dh’ iarras measgan ’us min, co dh’ iarras seasgan seogaill ?
Co dh’ iarras spain an sporran, co a ni solar gun naire ?
O theasd Lachlainn laochach, co nis ar n-aobhar ghaire ?
Co dh’ iarras leinnte bhan dga, air dis Lachlainn na seanbhroige ?
Da eugsan is truagh an dail, co le ’n iarrar an cuaran ?
Co ghoideas dos a ghille, co nach abair firinn ?
Co is leimh triall am bata, co dh’ iarras na seana chairde ?
Co dh’ iarras ceare le h-uibhibh co dh’ iarras linn choileach ?
Co dh’ iarras corlach na circe, an deigh an dorlach airgid ?
Co dh’ iarras prin gun cheann co is fear leughainn coimeas coitchinn ?
Gun oighre air Lachlainn da éis, duilich a eug r’ a fhaistneachd.
Co dl’ iarras dubhan ’us droimh, co dh’ iarras dorsa d’fhosgladh ?
Co dh’ iarras binnid gun bhruidh, co le ’n sirear gach aon ni ?
Co nach toir peighinn do bhochd, co dh’ iarras ni air tarnochd ?
Co ghreasas gucruaidh oide ciche, co bhitheas gu cruaidh um mhac nuaidh ?
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT..
Ka zearis ollin is ymmi chon a hee dess lochlin
Ka zearis collaryth banni ka lay mayne sollor sayllych
Ka zearis er mnaew oyga con vega agis nessoga
Ka zearis furssin oyd keich ka la in drussir gi marve neith
Ka zearis loist go wroit ka zearis truis tolwocht
Ka weiss gi tein is ay slayn ka zearis ymmi er vrochane
Dekrych Iwn no eak in ir gin a iyr za essin
Deggil na pleyda zwll deyga issnach feadis ka neith coyvoyt
Ne zwme nine in ir danew a zenyth in doythin
Rann gith nach a chur na kann mallach din ner nach currin
Ma hest lachlin lay lon is swych a weiss gi downith
Da eak is bocith gi beith is ne cooyth gr eincheith.
Ka din.
Gormlay neyn lyne in ven watht.
Ochegane myth zallir feyn ochegane mi skarre reimi skaywe
In nocht is delis mo ladda o nach merrin m‘eneall
Ochegane gin vak derwaill ochegane mo zail da ess
Noch char waill gayr naiss boylli fass erri zae essew
Ochegane re banich math gwss in nocht ner zani di chr. . .
Testoo vanmyn ess echaith ne abbrum ach och is oych.
Oche.
A houdir so duncha m‘caybba.
A vec dowle toyr accane di loyt leich in lanvakcane
Hay mi zarve accane fer mon zalwe waccane wor wreith
Is ferri hik di chensi chew we riss na zoyss a vackeyve
Duncha carrych ga zerm zea is anm z00 a barryth boe
A dhuncha ni gor gassge cwneich anm do cheadwesti
A véallen na twlle feyn tayweym noch char hoor allein
Wo tay schee in neiss in nenyth na hell yvyr ard wlyith
Gawe in cayd hoyr twss na ross woss tow eaddoill gi hawis
Davin gir a tow reiss fer zaywal ni gerve cheiss
Mir harve trodda agis tachir is darwe di hoggir a gayach
Is tow tastalych croychane i schelga sley fin vroychane
Di clow onchon ga inche is tow duncha durrinssi
Is tow chaskgeiss di nawe is to zergis di zallawe
Is tow zoiris vor skeiths sin is tow reiss doywnis aggin
Is sea fer da bi zussi a rinn di leyt camussi
Ye) 4 bh ees oe
MODERN. } THE DEAN OF LISMORE. gl
Co dh’ iarras oluinn ’us im, thun a thi d’ ¢is Lachlainn ?
Co dh’ iarras colaireach bhan, co le ’m miann solar salach ?
Co dh’ iarras air mnathaibh oga, con bheaga ’us neasagaibh ?
Co dh’ iarras fursainn oide ciche, co le ’n trusar gach marbh ni ?
Co dh’ iarras loisgt gu bhroit, co dh’ iarras tris tolbhochd!
Co bhitheas gu tinn ’us e slan, co dh’ iarras im air a bhrochan ?
Deacaire dhomh no eug, an fhir gun oighre bhi dha ¢isean,
D’eagal na bleid dhol eug, ’us nach faighideas co ni a coimhead.
Na dichuimhnichibh am fear, deanaibh, a dhaoine an domhain,
Rann gach neach a chur ’n a ceann mallachd do ’n fhear nach curainn,
Ma theasd Lachlainn a la luain, is subhach a bhitheas gach duine,
Da eug is bochda gu bith, ’us ni cumhar aon a chi. :
Co de ’n bhleid.
Gormlaidh nighean Fhlainn, a bhean mhaith.
Ochagan mo ghalar féin, ochagan mo sgaradh ri’ m sgéimh,
An nochd is dilis mo shlad, o nach marrainn Mac O’ Néill,
Ochagan gun Mhac Diarbhaill, ochagan mo dhiil da éis,
Nochar fhéile Guaire an 4s, buaile fas Eire da easbhuidh,
Ochagan righ Bhanbha maith, gus an nochd nior ghann do chruth,
O theasdadh m’anam ’s a chath, ni abram ach och, agus och.
Och.
Is e ughdair so Dunchadh Mac Caibe.
A Mhic Dhughail a dir achdmhuinn, do luath laoch a chlannmhacan,
Tha mo dhearbhachdainn fior mu ’n dhealbh mhacan mhoir bhrigh,
Is fearr thig do cheannsa chaomh, bhi ris na dhomhsa a mhacaimh,
Dunchadh carrach ’g a ghairm da, is ainm dha a b’fhearr buaidh.
A Dhunchaidh nan corr gaisge, cuimhnich ainm do cheud bhaisde,
A Mhic Allain na toill féin, toibheum noch char fhuair an linn, 3
O ta se nis an aithne na h-uile aobhar ard bhlagh, .
Gu bhi an ceud fhuair tus an arois, 0 ’s tu eudail gu thathas.
Deimhin gur a tu ris, fear ghabhail nan garbh chis,
Mar tharbh trod agus tachair, is dearbh do thogar an cathach.
Is tu tasdaileach Chruachain, a sealg sleidh fo’ bruachan,
Do chlit onchoin ’g a innseadh, is tu Dunchadh Diurinnse.
Is tu choisgeas do namh, is tu dheargas do dha lamh,
Is tu dh’ fhoireas o’r sgios sinn, is tu ris d’aoibhneas againn.
Is se fear do ’m b’ usa, a rinn do luaidh cho musa,
92
THE BOOK OF | [ANOIENT.
Di neym eddir leich mir sin din dreggin cheive von chonnil
Is tayd agga di woeir kerd eili na coyllifir
Gasga agis ennych errin gin nasga nyn lowveymnie
Gith inlycht zleis mak reich id tayd ag gin neyneyve
A zloyr zall zlan riss ga rec lor di zarri in dy wec —
A cheim gi wul a terri keiss lat ass gi inwalli
Rygh orricht ag gneith zlyn id tyicht ym chreif chosgir.
A vec.
Auctor hujus Ane m‘eoin m‘caychirn.
Daarych schayn er seil gwnn ne haarych in nochin
In dye oyne deive a zol seith no zoye noch cha dantir
In sayn fa rowidir reyv finnich chwnn ner chleacht dewygh
In dey oyne-gi arr er gowle da zoye ner an gin ympow
Da waass di reyggi in ter m‘ir noyine wo allen
Mor ir schayn er gowl di chorri ner layn downyth na gi dear .
In corsen lar olkyth zinn bass oyne is troyg in torrinym
Hanik braath o zwnn din chorri fa chung chaach di quhyddir
Seil quhollych zoyss gow hayk oyne nar er adir gi introyr
Faggis layn da heil wo henni in sayn ne in deive a zaith
Owr mrone a beith mir sen clynn dowle di zeith in ir
Quhy barni nin sayn re schell sarwe in skail ri skeillych
A hechtich hug in skail huggin a zea di zroich zaal
Ni skailla di lawrit leive mawrit ner chayl in glwssin
Seir zail mi zar tree clawlt di von deim ryn mo ryirk
In dey oyne ne anvin a zulli cha naym doyr ra danew
Turri er in nane sin noe bass v‘dowll downolle
Anna zye fa chrow chwnn ner zelli cnow ra croonith
Sein vorba brissi no weig menich choyn ga cheynich
Er arda in trachta er ayk oyne ner ayd altaa won nayr
Loygh er evynis noch cha nail in dye ayne ymzane
Ni sloygth ga braa di wroon gin loyght er cryich na er cor
Id der riss in raythid cayth id teacht wo toye gi intraa
Lay turre an nocchin nwll did chewe a var benchir
In neik monnor od tolt bog log aggwm na ynnit
Bei er hert fa zerryth doyf skaywolych mo zerk a zowe
Ne eddit mnae dolli zith woo toye la trwm in tursi
Toggew fert din wanyth wan layd lake cheille croychin
Gar gir annychi orch di waas a laa laytromm
Finich did cowe ga in gar dowe in cre ni codly
A chlyne dowle gow ayk oyne ne zaynith nach fir naw zoye
rae Niet
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 93
Do nitheam eadar laoich mar sin, do ’n dreagon chaomh o’n Chonuil,
A taid aige de bhuaidh air, ceaird eile na chuilbhr.
Gaisge agus eincach Hirinn, ga ’n nasgadh ’n a luath bheuman,
Gach innleachd ghleidheas mac Righ, a ta iad aig gun aineimh.
A ghloir gheal ghlan ris ’g a reic, le ’r do éirich an deagh mhac.
O chitheam gu bheil a toirt cis, leat as gach aon bhaile,
Righ aireach aig gniomh ghrinn, a teachd um chraoibh chosgair.
A mhie.
Is e ughdair so, Eoin Mac Eoghain Mhic Eachairn.
Deurach sian air siol Chuinn, ni eireach an dochainn,
In deigh Eoin doibh a dhol, sith ’n a uaigh noch cha deantar,
An sian fa robhadar riamh, fine Chuinn nior chleachd dimhiodh,
In deigh Eoin gach fear air gul, da uaigh nior ann gun iompaidh..
Da *bhas do thruagh an tir, Mac fhir a ghin o Allan.
Mor ar sian air gul do chor, nior lion duine nach gu deurach,
An cor sin le’r ole dhuinn, bas Eoin is truagh an torunn.
Thainig brath o Dhin do ’n chor, fa chuing chach do chaidhidear,
- Saoghal caochlaideach dhomhsa gu h-eug Eoin, nior eireadar gu aintredir.
_Fagas lan do shiol o shean, an sian na an doibh a dhochainn,
Aobhar ’m broin a bhi mar sin, clann Dughail do dhith an fhir.
Chaidh barn nan sian ré seal, searbh an sgeul ri sgeulachadh,
A theachdair a thug an sgeul, thugain a Dhé do dhroch dhiil.
Na sgeul do labhairt leibh, m’amhra nior chaill an cluasan,
Saordhail mo gheire troimh chléibh uile, do bhuin diom roinn mo fhradare.
An deigh Eoin ni anmhuinn a ghul, cha-n fhaigheam deoir ri dheanamh,
Tuireadh air an Fhian ’s an uaigh, bis Mhic Dhughaill Dhunollaimh.
Ann a aghaidh fa chruth Chuinn, nior ghile cno ri cruinne,
*S aon bhorb bhriseadh no bhith, méin a chuain ’ga chaoineadh.
Air ard an traigh air eug Eoin, nior fhaighead alt o’n athair,
Luaidh air aocibhneas noch Hats ’aill, ’n deigh Eoin iomghain.
Na sloigh ’g am breith de bhron, gun luaidh air creach no air cdr,
A deir ris an rathad caidh, a teachd o d uaigh gus an traigh,
Le tuireadh an dochainn null, do’d chumhadh a b’fhear banchaire.
An tig m‘onoir o’d fholt bog, lochd agam ’n a ionad,
Bhi air ’fheart fa dheurach domh, sgiamhalach mo dheare a ghabh.
Ni fhaotaid mnathan dol dhi, 0 d’ uaigh le truime an tuirse,
Togaibh feart do ’n Fhian bhan, leud laga chille Chruachain.
_ Gu ’r gur aithnichte e orra, do bhas a leth leatroma,
Fine do’d chumha go an giir, dubh an cré ni codalaid.
A chloinn Dughail gu eug Eoin, ni dheanadh neach fear namh dhoibh,
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Hanik di waass ir wllich sevif nach chass a chensyth
Er oye oyne ne annit mnaw a dorta dear ge inlay
Kelle ban garri tra zoych troit er maye gin varrin
Ni henyth zoy turse throm in dey oyne di zallith orrwm
Nein deig lay nach lane cre in skail far taa ir tursine
Cwmmi Iwm ca loo sin ereid a zantyth za lesk lwmme
Da wass nach cha sokkir sinn degkir in gayss ner churrinn
Ym hessew tha melgwn er gin lay er ley e zaffere
Hug cre lwm na za laa sinn a lae er olwych
Cha darne reyve roye sen doy zein gow dowle e zaffre
Is yvir broyn gin ay ann is doy mee 0 nach merrin
Dess a chollyth nyth goyth noyr mir hay in ter troyg in tyrmmor
Tra er durri noch cha nil syi in dwn sin dowche
Lane marr techt har tulchew er naik oyne is da choythrrow
Oanych er in narga ne ull er ard choyn fa gonvell
Di chow owch reith raach chwnn si creich so clynni dowle
Blaa gal id zey er dowch bee ra heyg gin achroyeh
Kiss chwill ym clae zowill a egsi si ollonych
Lookir er teacht er oye oyne echtir waeth da nanoyn
Fadda in neyntoo neilla di chaith ga cwss tayweym
Nach spess deiv in noye zollyth dess oyne in neyntoo
Terk a hurri acmay chwnn wone lay nach mar m‘dowlle
Breith in neyil noch cha null screive eyl na nessow
Onnor in neyl ne wae er testall di v‘marae
Is beg a bail dawel deit di raye a honnor vayach
Na gi dacha drwm er zrwm voym za chenn clynni dowl
Re troyr ooyne ne zyil doyth in dyie oyne aythir
Gi lyi dea di zalwa neyf doyr in gligge in noid illeich
Voo eachree noch cha woyn baach za deache waach is ymza.. .
In dey in trur troyg in tolk mi chre ne for furtycht
Troyg na noyge gi chass di cheim di wass ii oyne is all... .
Allext nach gavin gess in tra man deggir herris
Toycht er stoyg woynych bryi di royl oych mi nenin
Ni beit ga earre er dul dyr oyne gow hirrill
A beit er ter ni trodda ne beith naec fa noo adda.
Auctor hujus finlay m‘ynnab.
Doynirre nyn strakkirre da bi zail leif a screyve
Foyris din ni faggirre ne za weadir a leinyth
Ga zemmi ni ha deinnyth er teith milli ni toyth
Cha nayir na chomein in reid sin doyn boach_
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 95
Thainig do bhas fhir mhullaich seimh, noch chas a cheannsachaidh.
Air uaigh Eoin ni ainnidh mnathan, a dortadh dheur gach aon la,
Ciil bhan ag eiridh trath dhoibh, troidh air mhagh gun bharran.
Ni h-ioghnadh dhoibh tuirse throm, an deigh Eoin do gheal urram,
Ni ’n tig la nach lion cridhe, an sgeul fa ta ar tuirsene.
Coma leam ge leo sin, creud a dheanadh do leisg leam,
D’a bhas nocha socair sinn, deacair an cds ’na ’r chuireann.
A’m sheasamh tha melgthamh air, gun luaidh air laoidh a ghabhar,
Thug cridhe dhomh ’n a dha leth, sinn a luaidh air fhalbhaich.
Cha d@rinneadh riamh roimh sin, dvighe dhuinn dhol d’a fharraid,
Is aobhar brdin gun e ann, is doighe mi o nach marrainn.
D’eis e chodladh na uaigh fhuair, mar tha an tir, truagh an toirm,
Traigheadh air deoir noch cha-n eil, saoth an Duin ’s an duthaich.
Lan mara ’teachd thar tulchaibh, air n-eug Eoin ’s da choghairibh,
Onfhadh air an fhairg ni bheil, air ard chuan fa Chonnuill.
Do chumha och ! righ rathaich Chuinn, ’s a chrioch so chloinn Dughaill,
Blath gal a’d dheigh air dithaich, bithidh ri h-Gigh gon eugchruas,
Aois chiuil um cliath Dhughaill, a eigse ’s a ollamhan ;
Leachd air teachd air uaigh Eoin, eachdair a bhi de ’n aindeoin.
Fad an iontadh Neill, do chaidh gach cuis toibheim,
Nach spéis doibh an uaigh, dhol d’éis Eoin an iontadh.
Teirc a fhuaireadh aicme Chuinn, o’n la nach mair Mac Dhughaill,
Brigh an fhiodhuill nocha neil, scriobhadh fhilidh ’n a easbhuidh.
Onoir an fhileadh ni bhi, air teasdail do Mhac Mairidh,
Is beag am beul daimheil d’i, do radh a h-onoir bhuadhach.
- Na gun deachaidh druim air dhruim, uam dha cheann chloinn Dughaill,
’ Ri treoir Eoin ni fhaghail domh, an deigh Eoin ’athair.
Gu gleidheadh Dia do dhealbh niamh, do fhuair innleachd an oide Ilich,
O eachraidh nocha bhitheann buaidh, dha deachaidh uath ’us imeachd.
An deigh an triur truagh an t-ole, mo chridhe ni fhuair furtachd,
Truagh nan oige go chads do chitheam, de bhas da Eoin ’us Alastair.
Alastair nach gabhann geis an trath mu ’n tigear thairis,
D’uchd air stuagh bhuaine brigh do thruaill och ! mo nimhe.
Ni bhith ’g a iarraidh air dul d’ oighre Eoin gu iorghuil,
A bhith air tir na troda, ni bhith nach fa’n uaigh fhada.
Is e Ughdair so Fionnladh Mac an Aba.
Duanair nan strangair, da b’aill leibh a sgriobhadh,
Fhuaireas de na fagair, ni dhe faodar a lionadh.
Ge iomadh na tha daoine air ti millidh nan tuath,
Cha-n fhaighear ’n a choman an rud ’s an duan buadhach.
THE BOOK OF. [ANCIENT.
Di wassew nin lorganych gan gir beith voach ach meile
In teigh gow be in goyalsi cho rik eayd ay gi heythe
A ta ossil anossil agki na chotti killi
Is ta wessew wea ray ayskey ga zeyg cha chlwni sinni
Quho we me ga slonissy cha null aggwmm za schenchas
Ach a be si choneskar agis no kon na lenvyn
A zowle a chompayne v‘oyne nyn lann leyve
Ga will wlle ni lorganych dane in doynirre screyve
Screyve gi fessyth fer oylych in schanchis is a gaer
Na ber doyni er weith heillyth ga leyve go m‘challan
Cwne feyn in comyn so a zregar mir a choyle
Gi will aggwn orridsi di chwt a chur sin doynirre
Na bee ansin doyn so di haggirt na zi hoyctyth
Ga vil ne na coythrsi nach currir ay sin doynirre.
. Doynirre.
A hujus Effric neyn corgitill.
A fadrin a zusk mi zair invin mar a weith ort
Invin cree faltyth faill gane royf reyve guss a nocht
Da eag is tursych a tam in lawe may bittee gi noyr
Nach clunnwm a bee in glee agis nach vaggum ee woyme
Mi creisi is tinn id taa o teic creich in lay zowin
Zerrid a zest ra zlor ra haggillow in noge wr
Bail ayssith di beive glor zaynti zoo si gi ter
Loyvin mwlle ni mour gall sawik eillith ni myg meine
Far bi zar moyvir er zane o nach deach dayve gin deill
Toissych dyghanich sork shawe ag a wayt mane v‘reyth
Dawe a teach o zown noyr is dawe one voyn ga olt fay
Menik hanik ead fa hest ne menkyth na less in rar
Saywik schanglane sleyve geill far a chur a kenn re clar
Dreggin loyvis nin lerg gal ayg ag sannis nin schrawe sayth
A haguss ein donnyth wane amenir a tame za ess
Gin chlwich gin chorran kein gin awych gin yghe i geill
Gin dwnni ris tig mi wane er sleicht nin neaall o neal oog
Gin wurn gi weyr ag mnawe gin evinis in dane ym zoog
Mar hay geyaw in nwne wein down swenyth di chonne gin choill
Fayth longwrt ni war fayl aychwall ni neall in nawle
Cus ir loythirryth mane seach gwss a bemid a teach mawle
Ts nach fulgwm in ness mi nor aggin woyme er gi ard
Ma wrissis a v‘awee er baggit nin tre chnoo
Fa fer a zawis ir geyle di vonis in trane bi woo
aa S
ee ee oe
MODERN.] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 97
De fhiosaibh nan lorganach gun gur bu bhuadhach ach mile,
An tigh gu bith an comhdhailse, cha ruig iad e go shith,
A ta uasal, anuasal age ’n a chota cille, |
’Us ta ’fhiosa bhi ré acasa ge dh’eadh cha chluinn sinne,
Cha bhi mi ’g an sloinneadhsa, cha-n ’eil agam de sheanchas,
Ach a bhi ’s a choinfheasgair, agus na con ’n an leanmhuinn.
A Dhughaill, a chompain, Mhic Eoin nan lann liobhta,
Ga bheil uile na lorganaich, dean an duanaire a sgriobhadh.
Sgriobh gu fiosach fior eolach, an seanchas ’us an gartha,
Na beir duan air bhith shaoghalach ’g a leughadh gu Mac Chailein.
Cuimhnich féin an comunn so, a Ghrigoir mar a chuala,
Gu bheil agam ortasa do chuid a chur ’s an duanair.
Na bitheadh anns an duan so de shagairt no de thuathach,
’°G a bheil ni ’n an comhairse nach cuirear e ’s an duanair.
Duanair.
Ughdair so Eafraic nic Corcadail.
A phaidrein a dhuisg mo ghiir, ionmhuinn mar a bhi ort,
Tonmhuinn cridhe failteach fial, ga ’n robh riamh gus an nochd,
D’a eug is tuirseach a taim, an lamh mu ’m bithte gach uair,
Nach cluinneam e bhi an cli, agus nach facaim e uam ;
Mo chridhse is tinn a ta, o tig creach an Ja dhuinn,
Goirid a dh’ éisd r’a ghldir, ri focalaibh an dige uir ;
Beul aitheasach da ’m bu sheimh gldir, dh’ aithnichteadh a ghuth ’s
Leomhan Mhuile nam mir geala, seabhag Ile nam magh mine ; [gach tir,
Fear a b’fhearr meodhar air dhaoine, o nach deachaidh daimh gun diol,
Toiseach deagh eanach suaire seimh, aig am faighteadh méin mhic righ ;
Daimh a teachd o Dhunanoir, ’us daimh o’n Bhoinn g’a fholt feidh,
Minic thainig iad fa theist, ni mince na leis an réir; _
Seabhag seanglan Sliabh Ghaidheal, fear a chur a cheann ri cléir,
Dreagon Leodhais nan learg geal, agh aig sanas nan sreamh seimh ;-
A h-eugmhais aoin duine mhidin, a’m aonar a taim dha dis,
Gun chluich gun chanran caoin, gun Abhachd gun aoibh aig féill ;
Gun duine ris an tig mo mhiann, air sliochd nan Nial o Nial dg,
Gun mhuirn gu bhithear aig mnaibh, gun avibhneas an daoine um ghdig,
Mar tha gaoithe an dine mhin, Dun Suibhne do chunnaic gun chedl,
Feuch longphort nain fear fial, aicheamhail nan Nial a nall.
Cuis ar luathghara mu seach, gus am bithmid an teach mall,
’Us no fuilgeam nis, mo nuar, againn uainne air gach aird ;
Ma bhriseas, a Mhic Adhaimh, air bagaid nan tri chnd,
Fa fear a ghabhas ar gaoil, do bhuineas an trian bu mhd ;
7
98 om THE “BOOK. OF [ANCIENT.
Knoo wullich a moggill feyn vonith di clyne neill gi noa
Is trig rynith nyth ver fail gow labbi ni neal in noyssa
In rygh fa derrig dewe say hug gin mi wreith in skayll
Di skar rwm mi la chwng rown a fadrin zusg mi zar
Is bristith my cree ym keith agis beith no gin dee mayg
Er ess in nawryth zoe wr a phadrin a zusg my zar
Mur wayir mumy in reith gin rowf gym zein er gi sayd
Is i mak a-chrowich gi dowle a phadrin a zusg my azar.
Fadrin.
A howdir so Dowgall m‘ille zlass.
Reicht zassge yricht ooyne is astrych za zoyn a zreyve
Nee nach illi nawrycht di chaych foyr in ny rych a saych reych
M‘gregar ni greissi gar toissich is trane er gi ter
Eddir hoyr is creach zawle is doe a wee gi mawle meine
Eine rynn zaske zeyil greygga less nor meitht mayd clow
Fer is ferr aygh is eicht in lawa ter slicht in row _
Shawik dayd zall nin dre zlann lass in leygr gaal gi gnew
Law is croith in gaaew kinith flaa is coryth zin tlicht reith
Er v‘fadrik ni groygh derk nor assis ferg in nor aycht
Ni halych a ver no deygh nocha slane in loy caycht
Oyh vol challim nin derk corri ni skarri ra zor gin deith
Gilli dawych sothrych sang in law is ferri um gich neith
Acmich zregar tymchil oyne ne mir caylta in voal si wein
Drong wraych er nach leyr locht is grayth gort mir a hee
Clanni zregar in dramm nach trayth in namm nach bedis ray ra reith
Gyill ga fullichtych na fir ne churri schead sin ym bree
Ne mow loo geyl no gyill ni ser ir 00 choynn in reith
Acmi zregar ni golga croy o worb sloye ne in gawe sneyve
Branane forna ni var faylla yr zregar nyn schrane oyr
Olk zi dwne er in dane creach messit zi neach heyd na toyr
Flath zlinni leivin nin lann skayth wreour nach gann re clayr
Law mir oskir si gich cath is da is cosswill in flath feyn
Urrwm enicht da zroy zerg a hoyr gin chelg mir is coyr
Er zaill einenych zi gich nach er heilllgyth each is oyr
M‘gregar in tylich zrinn ne henich linn na chwrt clayr
Ne el commis da ucht galle ach in fer ga royve in nane
Ag sen tri freccythchi finn braith a gilli ne vayccit reyve
Law bi wath irrill in gress di binwin less fullich feyg
Cosslow a weine sa woywe riss in reith ga royve in nane
Re hawg v‘gregar nin greach ver rawg gi nach a wane
Sams, SOR yt a) ee ge eS, Ee ees ee ed ee ee ee
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 99
Cno mhullaich a mhoguil féin bhuineadh do chloinn Néil gun fhuath,
Is tric a roinn na fir fiala, gu leabaidh nan Nial a nuas ;
An righ fa deireadh diubh, ’s e thug gun mo bhrigh an sgail,
Do sgar rium mo leth chunga ruin, a phaidrein a dhuisg mo ghiir,
Is briste mo chridhe a’m chioch ’us bithidh no gun dith m’agh,
Air éis an amhra dhubh wr, a phaidrein a dhuisg mo ghiir ;
Mhuire, mhathair, muime an righ, gu robh ’gam dhion air gach saighid,
"Us a mac a chruthaich gach diile. A phaidrein a dhuisg mo ghiir.
| A phaidrein.
Is e ughdair so Dughall Mac Ghille ghlais.
Righ ghaisge eireachd Eoin, is asdaireach do dhuan a dhroing,
Ni nach bheil an amhra do chach, fhuair an fhioradh an siithe righ.
Mac Grigoir nan greas geur, toiseach is treine air gach tir,
Eadar or ’us creach a Ghall, is ddigh a bhi gu mall min ; [chlid,
Aon roghainn ghaisge Ghaidheil Ghreige, leis nior meathaich meud a
Fear is fearr agh ’us iochd, an laimh an tir sliochd nan righe.
Seabhag deud gheal nan tri ghleann, leis an leughar goil gach gniomh,
Lamh is crodha an cathaibh cinnidh, flath a’s cdir dhe ’n t-sliochd righ,
Air Mac Phadruig nan gruaidh dearg, ’n uair athfhasas fearg an uair
Na h-alaich a bheir ’n a dheigh nocha slin an Juadh cath ; [eachd,
Ogha Mhaoil Chaluim nan dearc corr, ni sgaradh ri dr gun dith,
Gille daimheach, sothrach, seang, an lamh a’s fearr um gach ni ;
Aicme Ghrigoir timchioll Eoin, ni mar chaillte a bhuille s’a mhéin,
Droing bhreagh air nach leughar lochd, is gnath gort mar a thi ;
Clann Ghrigoir an dream nach treig, an 4m nach bitheas rdéidh ri righ,
Gaidheil ge fulachdach na fir, ni chuireadh siad sin am br gh ;
Ni mo leo Gaidheil no Goill, na saoir fhir o chuain an righ ;
Aieme Ghrigoir nan colg cruaidh, o bhorb shluagh ni’n gabh sniomh.
Brainean foirne nam fear fiala, oighre Ghrigoir nan srian dr,
Ole do dhuine air an dean creach, miosad do neach theid ’nan toir ; -
Flath Ghlinne Liobhainn nan lann, sgiath bhrighmhor nach gann ri cléir,
Lamh mar Osgar anns gach cath, is da is cosmhuil am flath féin ;
Urram eanaich d’a ghruaidh dheirg, a fhuair gun cheilg mar is coir,
Air ghabhail ’einich do gach neach, air thiolacadh each ’us dir ;
Mac Grigoir an teaghlaich ghrinn, ni h-ioghnadh leinn ’n a chuirt cliar,
Ni bheil coimeas d’a uchd geal, ach am fear dhe ’n robh an Fhiann ;
Aigesan tri freiceadan fionn, braigh a ghille ni facadh riamh,
Lamh bu mhaith iorghuil an greas, do b’ionmhuinn leis fuileach fiadh ;
Cosmhuil a mhéin’s a mhodh, ris an righ ’g a robh an Fhiann,
| Ri h-agh Mhie Grigoir nan creach, bheir roghadh gach neach am miann ; _
100 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCTENT.
Math is cowe a rosg gorm re m‘cowle nin gorn far
Innin in nour fa din aggis in rownyth deil clayr
Innin in surri sin selga rew is cowe kerd ni wane
Id ta in rath er slicht in row is math in clow is a geyl
Enych is augnow is icht di cayvlyth er in slicht reyve
Fein is keyr agis milli a mayne sin la shelgow feygh
Finnyth oyne is gast gneyve eadda mir vackow re ni. . .
Aggis oyne mir in fin faye no chenn er gi dawea.. .
Ga zurrik low flayis finn di cathyth ra linn na vane
Is er v‘fadrik id ta in rath haryth schea gi matha. . .
M‘gregar nin dochir tann cann sochir kawle agis clayr
Teyve sang er ym braith ben o zlann shraa ni ver fayle
Corrit zowne braa la oyne is nee ga zoyn di neith
A teillygyth each is oyr fayn scheach mir is coir i reith
Rey neive murr oe dlee mir is doe me zein
Mi wraa si cathir gin chelt a wull aythir v‘n re.
Reith.
KELLICH zonith er ossil ga di choye schee re feith
Mager mor a ze lonith weith garre zol lar reith
Estew zeym dar maggarich a heil boddich is serreith
Is a leive kennort baggantich less a beith lane vath meithtin
Fullul me clyne dowle boein is dowell corri
Ga tayd gi garga gast ne astith zane foynicht
Coythiltich me m‘challane ver oyr gi rath rar clarrew
Cred fa im bein gi mwcknich ta mi zowch in nerli
Ta mi zowchess in nearli da ear o me clan donil
Tnnoo me clyne a layane wearri ne caith corrik
M‘a ffeith cholfissay cha bea foryr mi loynti
Ts m‘neil a barray glan ossill a chwt slontich
M‘onee tanik fame chwnith agis m‘soenith faimyth
Clyne loyt is clyne rynilt ne kinn ignith von danic
Cattanich agis toissich ga taid zoissith na gardew
Camronaich is clyne zregar ni firsen a braid albin
Stewartich gai farssing eaid skeillit fane chrown chaw . . .
Sen skail kintich cassloyth is dew id ta senvaithir maithir
In bofuddir is in braid albin ta mi chardin gi lenor
Fir choyvil a teach ym chonew beaid sin mi loynnith
Clann lachlyn is clyne lymyn clyne nail ri foylwm zasg
Cardin doissi clyne tawssi er wwn is wrai zlassei
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 101
Maith is cumha a rosg gorm, ri Mac Cumhail nan corn fial,
Tonann an or fa dhuinn, agus an rin diolaidh cliar ;
Tonann an suiridh ’s an sealg, riu ’us Cu ceaird nam Fiann,
A ta an rath air sliochd nan righe, is maith an clit ’us an ciall ;
Eineach ’us eangnath ’us iochd, do cheangladh air an sliochd righ,
Fion ’us céir, agus mel, am miann sin le sealga fhiadh ;
Fine Eoin is gasda gniomh, iad mar mhacaibh righ na Feinn,
ae ee ee ee ee ee ae ee
Agus Eoin mar am Fionn féin, ’n a cheann air gach daimha.. .;
Ge dhiurachd leo flaitheas Feinn, do chathaich ri linn na Feinn,
Is air Mhac Phadruig a ta an rath, sharuich se gu maith . . . ;
Mac Grigoir nan dochair a t’ann, ceann sochair ceall us cliar,
Taobh seang air am breith bean, o Ghleannsrath nam fear fial ;
~ Comhrad dhuinn breith le Eoin, is ni g’a dhedin do ni,
A tiodhlacadh each ’us dr, fa ’n seach mar is cdir do righ ;
Righ neimh, Mhuire oigh, dlighe mar is doigh mo dhion,
Mo bhreith ’s a chaithir gun cheilt, ’s a bheil Athair Mhic an Righ.
Righ.
ee Fae os ee
rm Yi at
a os
Cait dhuine air uasal, ge’d chaidh se ri feibh,
Magaireadh mdr do dhiolainich, bhi ’g iarraidh dhol Jar righ ;
Eisdibh dhomh de ’r magairich, a shil bhodach ’us saoire,
’Us a liuthad ceannard bagainteach, leis am bu lan bha m/’aoin ;
Fuileal mi’ chlann Dughaill, buidhean is daimheile coir,
Ge taid gu garg gasda, ni asda a dheanainn foghainn.
Comhaltach mi do Mhac Chailein, bheir or gu réidh ri’r cliaraibh,
Creud fa am bithinn gu mucnach, ta mo dhuthaich an Iarlaidh.
Tha mo dhuchas an Jarlaidh, do iar uam clann Domhnuil, :
Iodhnaidh mi clann Ghilleathain, bheireadh an cath comhrag.
Mac a Phi Cholosaidh cha bu foirfhear mo shloinnte,
Us Mac Neill a Baraidh, glan uasal a chuid sloinnidh.
Mac a Ni thainig fa ’m chuimhne, agus Mac Suibhne feudmhach,
Clann Leoid ’us clann Raghnailt, ni cinn fheadhna o’n d'thainig.
Catanaich ’us Toisich, gu ta iad dhomhsa ’n an cairdibh,
Camronaich ’us clann Ghrigoir, na fir sin a Breid Albainn.
Steuardaich ge farsuing iad, sgaoilte feadh a chruinne chearnach,
Sean sgeul cinnteach cas luath, is diubh ta seanmhathair m’athair.
Am Bochuidir ’s am Breid Albainn ta mo chairdean gu lionmhor,
Fir chaomhal ’teachd am choinnidh, b’iad sin mo shloinneadh.
Clann Lachlain ’us clann Laomainn, clann an dill ri foghlum ghaisge,
Cairdean domhsa clann Tamhsa, air mhonadh ’us bhraigh glasa ;
102 THE BOOK OF [ ANCIENT.
Na fir veg vaggantich veiss er strath ni ter
Ty lwm m‘cowle zraggin si carrit doth m‘ewr
Gillane tanik a mwllith ben o choynith lwngiryraa
Cha di chortich in erwnith dunnith nach tugi . ..
A charri dangin delis maa is far re meil dwnyth
Si chalsi a fwoe in farsen far mor... _
Keliich.
A houdir in barrone ewin m‘comie.
Fadda zawf a loithsoo almirrich lwmmi my lan techt
Wearrin di loayith leyissith woyme da bi lwnn ni tantith
Tayn bach colgin caithrow trom tayn bo tart is boo fleyiss
Di wearrin is in tarrith trom da bi lwm in loyth leyis
Gregh is aithre vanynane clayve is corne v‘kowle
Doytdichy man allane wearoin is gath bolk chongwllin
Oar ewwir is errymone is a wea aggwm im choyrrith
Crwt curchoyll a chellith brone skayth reith ni golinor
Long lymyn nar lwmmi leith si bee aggwm er gladdi
Di wearinse a hwlli cheith soll weyme mir so ra fadda
Fadda lwm gin Allex™ m‘yn tosscheach a hechta
Foddich schee in gallir so nach beith mir so re fad.
Fadda.
-——_——- e)
Er sleycht geil o zurt greyk ne el purt er in goe vait
Gan degow nach berda lat sleych geil di churre harrit
Stoe erre in nye gawle nach cha doye erre udwalli
Fyve er claif ranna gath coyr a gaif gi heyf
Ri gallew a derrum rwe sol zawiddir ir sowe
Na lekmit ir dowe deyn danmit ard chogga anmein
Ar aithris geil vano cathris er ir nayirnee
Di quhoyl mai gin royf sen oyr egin innis incin
Fa smacht ac finna fowrith rath le bil borowef
Salla di zallew mir sen a geik keiss as in dowe
Di zerna er eggil gych kin mor a ta teggow orrine
Gin danyk low terlynn mor veyn dan math derre a
Ar marro ballir onaet bi sawle zoyn a laet
Ka ness er ayris in nir a zorfis geil er zallew d
Rer linna mor a rin low tey a kin o angow y
!
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:
4
3
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Na fir bhig bhagantich, bhitheas air srath na tire,
Taghaileam Mac Dhughaill Chraignis, caraid domh Mac Iomhair ;
Gillean a thainig a Muile bean o chuain longfhaire réidh,
Cha do chuartaich an cruinne, duine nach tugadh si breith.
A charaid daingean dileas, maith is fearr ri Maol Domhnuich,
Sa chailsa a fhuair am fear sin, fear. . .
Cail.
Is e ughdair so am Baron Eoghan Mac Comaidh.
Fada dhomh a luidh so, allamharach leam mo shlainte,
Bheirinn do luach leighis uam, nam bu leam na tainte ;
Tain bo colgfhionn ceathraimh trom, tain bo tart ’us bo fleadhais,
Do bheirinn ’us an tarbh trom, da bu leam an luach leighis.
Greigh ’us aidhre Mhananain, claidheamh ’us corn Mhic Cumhail,
Dudaiche Manallain bheirinn, ’us gath-bolg Chonchulain.
Oir, Eimhear, ’us Eireamoin, ’us e bhi agam a choir,
Cruit Churcheoil a cheileadh bron, sgiath righ nan Gollnoir.
Long Laomain nar lom lith, ’us i bhi agam air cladaich,
Do bheirinnse a h-uile a chi, sol bhitheam mar so ré fada.
Fadda leam gun Alasdair, Mac an Toisich a theachda,
Dh’ fhuadach’ an galar so, nach bi mar so ré fada.
Fada.
Air sliochd Ghaidheal o ghurt Gréig, ni bheil purt air an gabh iad,
Gun teagamh nach beart leat, sliochd Ghaidheal a chur tharad,
Is tu an éiridh an aghaidh Ghall, nocha doigh éiridh udmhall.
Faigheadh ar claidheamh roinn gath, cuiribh na gathan gu thaobh,
Ri Gallaibh a deirim ribh, sol gheibheadar ar sigh,
Na leigeamaid ar dithaich dinn, deanamaid ard chogadh anmhin, |
Air aithris Gaidheil Bhanbha, caithris air ar n-athairne,
Do chualamaid gun robh sin, uaireigin Innis Ainghin,
Fo smachd aig fine Fomhoraich, rath le bheil boroimhe.
Seall do Ghallaibh mar sin, ag iochdadh cis as an dithaich,
Do dhearnadh air eagail gach cinne, mor a ta teagamh oirrnne.
Gun tainig luth tarlaidhinn, mdr feum do’n mhaith d’ Gridh,
Ar marbh balair oinid, bu samhail dhuinn a leithid,
Cia nis air aithris an fhir, a dh’ fhoireas Gaidheil air Ghallaibh ?
Ri linn mdr a rinn, luchd ti a chinnidh o eangaibh,
103
104
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Annit doif da bi zail less donna zeaddeith ta aythris ~
Low er fey no banno cowe der a hynolle
Illespie na zette zar is tow in low fa zerre
A erle orreir zeil bey id currey a coysmeye
Cuwrre hurrogirre nor sin ner er zeillew o zurt zvyth . . .
Cur ser herre ardwir ni gyle nach bea er albin achryn
Chur low nar log trote lay chlaive gin chen ch. . .
Er fa smacht geill greyg ner beith cleacht .. .
Ne fraif o willit a faiss deye ead mor a vorshass
Is nach fagir gawle boe zit tess na gilsyth anna ra flath .. .
Losk a bantrych nach math man losk in glan vecna anfeinne
Is losk a dee dow is cosk zein in nangow
Bog le husk in lochre sen in dei losk zan dassew
Na dan deo chroy o boa gawle a vo vokinte anvin
Cwne feyn a zroe mir hoe gyn vill orrin ag gallew
An smacht rad linn agus pled nor chinna gawle smath
Cwnych callen ayr feyn cwneicht gillespik ansen
Cwnych duncha na nye in far conchur cardnel
Cwnych callen elly ann cwneich gillespik arrin
Ts callen no keud mor a zle ler zawe gail in za...
Cwne nach dugit ni fyr wle er oyvne di zallew
Cai mowe fa dugga tussi owla voit in dullesoo
O nach marre ach fwil ayr di zeillew ym zurt ym zaif
Leggir le cheil na fir is chur hekgil fen er noydean
Saye er zallew nane draa feynna beit zusk v‘callen
Derri coggi a olt mhir hor ne math in cotle rath mhor.
Mor.
A houdir so duncha m‘dhulle voil.
Aythris raive rown oona makfadrik nar chred callwym
Na weym ga inni ner anna mane a kinne di charsin
Terka aythris inni anna zolsew geil nin glan zaale
Focht ni fraive ga ville zi lucht leava nyn lowr
Barrol deliss deive is doth fey ard eskar oorcht
In nulle rygh a goyve choyr in nyr zreve zreggar
Meith rai rad ross glass est oonna rad henchass
Rewe zi rave ta mest reygh sayve serhest
Padrik hayir annit dwt milchollum ayir phadrik
Makaynedoe nar zow braye dlwe a churre sa chraddarre
Oone elle ayr oone doe m‘gregar v‘oone awyr
Ca trear farrycht fa feilla trear teawrycht ne throm cler
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 105
Aithnichte duibh da b’aill leis, duine a dh’ fhaodta aithris,
Lith air feadh na Banbha, cimha daor a thional,
Ghillespuig a gheid gheir, is tu an lith fa dh’ dGireadh,
A Jarla Oirthir Ghaidheal bith, a’d churaidh a cHineiniath:
Curaidh thuirigear ’n uair ’s an eur, air Ghaidhealaibh o ghurt Gréige,
Curaidh saor ardmhir nan Gaidheal, noch bi air Albainn achruinn,
Chur lith ’n ar luchd troda, le dlaidheamh gun cion chuid,
Air fath smachd Gaidheil Greige, ’n uair bu chleachdadh . . .
Na freumha o bheil iad a fas, diogh iad, mdr a bhorrachas,
Us nach fagar Gall beo de d’ éis, na geillse ann ri flaitheas ;
Loisg am bantraich nach maith méin, loisg an clannmhacne an sin,
’Us loisg an tighean dubh, ’us coisg dhuinn an eangnath ;
Bog le h-uisge an laochraidh sin, an deigh losgadh dh’an deisibh,
Na dean deochruaidh o beo Ghall, o bhogainte anmhuinn.
Cuimhnich féin a ghruaidh mar shigh, gun bheil oirrne aig Gallaibh,
An smachd rid linn agus pleid, ’n uair chinnich gabhail smachd.
Cuimhnich Cailean d’athair féin, cuimhnich Gillespuig ’athair-san,
Cuimhnich Dunchadh an digh, am fear conchobhar cairdeal,
Cuimhnich Cailean eile ann, cuimhnich Gillespuig araon,
Agus Cailean a cheud mhor a ghlé le’r ghabh geill an gh... .
Cuimhnich nach tugaid na fir, uladh air uamhainn do Ghallaibh,
Cia mo fa tugadh tusa, uile uait an t-uladh so.
O nach maireann ach fuidheall athar, do Ghaidheal o ghurt um ghabhaidh,
Leigear le chéile na fir, ’us cuir eagail feadh ar naimhdean,
Saghadh air Ghallaibh nan trath féin, bi a’d dhuisg a Mhic Chailein,
D’eirich cogadh, a fhuilt mar dr, ni maith an codal ro mhor.
Mor.
Is e ughdair so Dunchadh Mac Dhughaill Mhaoil.
Aithris fhreumh rina Eoin Mhic Phadruig, no’r creud cheileam,
Na bhitheann ’g a fhine nior fhanna, mu’m a chinnidh do char sinn,
Teire ri aithris fhine fhanna dh’ uailsibh Gaidheal nan glan dhiil,
Fochd na freumh gu bheil, do luchd leughaidh nan leabhar.
Barail dileas doibh ’us domh, feadh ard an fheasgair orra,
An fhuil righ an caomh, chur an fhior dhream Ghrigoir ;
Mi réidh ri d’aros glas, eisd Eoin ri’d sheanchas,
Riamh de fhreumh tamaid, righ seimh saor-theist.
Padruig athair, aithne dhuit, Maolcholuim athair Phadruig,
Mac Eoin duibh na ’r dhubh braigh, dligheach a chuire ’s a chreadradh,
Eoin eile athair Eoin duibh, Mhic Grigoir, Mhic Eoin aghmhoir,
Ta triar feara fa feile, triar teamhaireach mu thromchleir,
106
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Ayr in one sen oil nach milchollum nar cheil onyth |
M‘conzhe v‘nor veg reym onchonna er nach deg taweim
Duncha el aythir sen m‘gillelan orcilli
Da her lat nor zour re dave m‘ey our o urquhay
Connane ni gorre gawe aythir ey urqhuay
O alpen in gargven glan ardre nyn balg veym breeor
Soo cathramh toaris is tug ummit a iyr phadrik
Cwnych cartweil faid chaive drom o alpen iyr dwile
Far er eichit is tow zee one dow nach doe crei
Di chart hanchis is sai sen gow ferriss m‘erk awyr
Id kinne nach crein ri foor sai lein di zave corron
Da eichit agis trur reyg dleyr in nuile sin ardreve
Tree toar tre dessirroe in dey vilchallum kennmor
Da choggyr chorrone a cheine o vilchollum gow alpen
O halpen soss is sai vess xiiii fir gow ferris
Di chart hanchis issi sen gow ferris m‘erk awyr
Kai lein di hanchiss mir sen reve gow ferris is fedir
Immigh feinnoil fai twlle tais nach awrreymor nor arviss
Di bi skeith skol dan skealloe gi reyg vil fa terrawg
Fwlli artir fo terla fanna macht di chodych di chuslin
Fwlli choynna fwlli choonna fad kness da hoynna hothrin nin neg
Fwlli ghrantach maid zroy mir ulle fulle neil neveille nertur
Gargweine a geym si gi gress da reym ardre in naythris.
Aythris.
A houdir soo m‘eachag.
Dymmych me zin zeith a deess o nach leggin in steach eoyn
Is ee er ni wraa mach er toytht doyth go m‘cloyd
Mak soonayd nyn soill gal a bi zail less teach er choyn
Chan nasta zeith a deess oyne m‘wllam nin naach loyth |
Ni chotlwm eich no layth nach weggym o trayid so toycht
Long heithwl in twil zil long in ir la bristir royik
Ag so in torriskil hwg caith er m‘wllam oo clar skeith
Gil denych deadzal dess far nach ayrryth nach ma neith
In toychtow lay oynyth faa oyne eiryth v‘cloyd in rosg . . .
Cossloo in angnow sin nert re tylych morrith a vore chreith
Fer feiltych nach folchin soyd torriskail oyne nyn narm . . ,
Fer heid sin tachchir er twss fer layr churryth a clw
M‘wllam za dalter meyg v‘soynoid er sleicht in reicht
A glwnym heacht a toyth di wea myth zroym er dol deim.
ee ee ee eee he
_ mopERy.] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 107
Athair an Eoin sin oileanaich, Maolcholuim na ’r cheil a ni,
Mac Dhunchaidh mhuiginir bhig reim, onchoin air nach tig toibheum.
Dunchadh eile athair-san Mac Gillfhaolain oirchill,
Do shaor leat ’n uair dh’ fhoir ri daimh, Mac Aoidh tr o Urchaidh.
Ceanan nan corr gatha, athair Aoidh Urchaidh,
O Alpain a gharg mhéin ghlan, ardrigh nam balg bheum brioghmhor.
So an ceathramh tuaraisg a’s tug, umad a oighre Phadruig,
Cuimhnich ceart bheil fa’d chaomh, dream o Alpain oighre Dhughaill,
Fear air fhichead is tu fhéin, Eoin dubh nach dubh cré,
Do cheart sheanchas is e sin, gu Fearghus Mac Eire aghmhoir.
A’d chinneadh nach crion ri fodhair, sé linn do ghabh coron,
Da fhichead agus triur righ, dlighear an fhuil ’s an ardfhreumh, ©
Tri tuathruidh, tri deasruidh, an deigh Mhaolcholuim Chinnmhoir,
Da choigear choron a chinnidh, o Mhaolcholum gu Alpain,
O Alpain suas is e bhitheas, ceithir deug fir gu Ferghus,
Do cheart sheanchas is e sin, gu Fearghus Mac Eire aghmhoir.
Cia lion de sheanchas mar sin, riamh gu Ferghus faighidir,
Tomadh fine oll fa d’fhuil tathas, nach direamar wuair dirmheas,
Do bu sgith sgoil d’ an sgeulaibh, gach righ a bheil fa d’tir fhreumh.
Fuil Artuir fa d’ urla fann, maith do chuid ’do chuislean ;
_ Fuil Chuain, fuil Chuinn fa’d chneas, da shuthain sothrain n’fhine,
_ Fuil Ghrantach ma’d ghruaidh mar ubhal, fuil Neil nimheil neart-mhoir,
_ Garg mhin a ceum ’s a gach greas, de reim ard righ an aithris.
Aithris.
Is e ughdair so Mac Eachaig.
Diombach mi dhe ’n ghaoith a deas, o nach leigionn a steach Eoin,
Us e air a bhreith mach air tuath domh gu Mae Leoid ;
Mac Sheonaid nan seol geala, a b’aill leis teachd air chuan,
Cha-n éisd a ghaoth a deas, Eoin Mac Uilleaim nan each luath.
Ni chodaileam oidche no la, nach fhaiceam o thraigh so tuath,
Long shiubhail an t-siuil ghil, long an fhir le’m bristear ruaig.
Aig so an tuairisgeul thug cach, air Mac Uilleaim o Clar Sgith,
Gille dian, deud-gheal, deas, fear nach euradh neach mu ni.
An t-ochdamh la uainn fa Eoin, oighre Mhic Leoid an ruisg . . .
Coslach an eangnath, ’s an neart, ri teaghlach mdr a mhoir chridhe
Fear faoilteach nach folchainn sud, tuairisgeul Eoin nan arm . . .
Fear theid ’s an tachair air tis, fear le’r chuireadh clit. . .
_ Mac Uilleaim dha ’n daltair mi, Mac Sheonaid air sliochd an righ,
_ A chluinntinn a theachd a tuath, do bhitheadh mo ghruaim air dol diom.
108
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
A houdir soo m‘gillindak in fardan.
Boye hearn er hoissichew itta voo huss in gyni
Ayrrewich zin ni okarrewich gych in ar a braa fisshe
Kead tearn in terre so duncha beg fa mor agne
Di zag mir chwt delippa ag clynna zreggar in gassga
Dunca mor za meillezow aythir vennych vilchollum
Sennor oone eynley ner zyil cwnrith nar chowil
Gregar deymhak duncha mak woo oone di bea iyr
Far awzissych one chontyth o locht heyve hollis tolve
Oonna dow in gal geilta m‘ayrrewych oonna v‘gregar
Salgre zawe dreyth twss gi coggi zi reythal
Mylcollum ga zei chowal annit oona dess a athyr
Dessgirt glinni gal urquhai maseith di chaith ma caga
Itta toisseich noymitin di clinni zregar oo zallew
Ga vil trey tearn boye graw sealga is boe gasga
In nimissir chooni chad chath di choala mi vaksawle
Finn ne zaif o zar lanew m‘kowle nyn grat calm
Sealga errin si heyantis ag m‘kule nyth guilley
Evy ni zoe no ternis er crechow clanni guil |
Dey ra leyn dane lekfe 0 charre gow carn vallire
Royth zawf ne sessre veith ag no iye
O hawzone gow belten bonyth gi teith za eanew
In talga fa soyve sawke agga in nynnym in neye
Immyg keiss nach arfee ag finna no ag far a harffee
Feachw errin darrm er vakewle no iye
Igh vorriddir zeyntew fa vroichew gi a boinna
Ag sen ne vil dennirgow voilchollum ag makmwrn
Ne zernni finn feane sealga gyn sirreich a kedda
Sealga albin gin eafre ag milcollum si chreacht
Cunwallich ni coahalga ni gregar is garg dennyth
Ner venkiche con croarga gow longwrt clynni beskne
Leine trotdych di hoissichew erre less in lo caicht
Fir eydda er oyr leyow ga lucht tiy sin tachraa
Kennoss fynna is feyhonis chotkin is clwe zai kin
Er barn zasga zley zarvis m‘gregar graigh ni vill
Immyg na chwrt coleyth selm cowdyth is colk ten
Ooyr derk er in dornerhew erm loyvin lochawe
Coyherm eddir clarsichow done in leicht nane lawow
A lucht tyi wo hayblissw dwl fa zowir gyr
Mak gregar boss bar chorkkir m‘derwail boye a zallew
Ane charre nyth calmytht a lawe lar ranik gych raa boye
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE.
Is e ughdair so Mac Gilliondaig am Fear dan.
Buaidh thighearn air thoisichibh, a ta o thts an cinne,
Airidheach de na h-oig fhearaibh, gach aon fhear a breith fios,
Ceud tighearn na tir-sa, Dunchadh beag fa mor aigne,
Do dh’ fhig mar a chuid dilib, aig clann Ghrigoir an gaisge.
Dunchadh mor de mhileadhaibh, athair beannaichte Mhaolcholuim,
Seanair Eoin aonfhlaith nior gheill, cunradh ’n uair a chunbhail.
Grigoir deagh-mhac Dhunchaidh, mac o Eoin do b’e oighre,
Fear aibheasach o’n chontath, o Loch thaobh sholuis Tulaich.
Koin dubh an goil geillte, mac aireadhach Eoin mhiec Grigoir,
Sealgair dhamh dhreachach, tis gach cogadh do fhritheal.
Maolcholum go dheagh chunbhal, aithnichte Eoin d’éis a athar,
Deisceart glinne geal Urchaidh, maiseach do chaidh m ’a cachta,
A ta toiseach an uibhireachd, do chloinne Ghrigoir o Ghailaibh,
’Ga bheil tri tighearn bed, gradh sealga, ’us bed ghaisge.
An aimsir Chuinn cheud chatha, do chuala mi a mhac samhail,
Fionn ni ghabh o gheur lannaibh, Mac Cumhail nan grath calm,
Sealg Eirinn ’s a thighearnas aig Mac Cumhail ’n a coillibh
_ Aoibh dha no tighearnas, air criochaibh clanna Ghuill.
_ D’fhiodh r’a linn da ’n leigeadh, o Charaidh gu Carn Bhalair,
Roimhe ghabh na seisir, bha aig ’n a fhiodha.
O shamhainn gu bealltainn, bhuineadh gach ti d’a Fhianaibh,
An t-sealga fa soimheamh samhadh, aig an inbhe an fhiodha.
Iomadh cis nach airmhear, aig Fionn no aig fear a Airmhidh,
Fiacha Eirinn da roinn, air Mhac Cumhail ’n a fhiodh.
Fiodh mhoir ridir dh’ Fhiantaibh, air bruachaibh gach buinne,
Aig sin ni bheil diongairean, Mhaoilcholuim aig Mac Muirne.
Ni dheanadh Fionn féin sealg, gun sireadh a cheada,
Sealg Albainn gun fharraid aig Maolcholum ’s a chreacha.
Cunbhalach ’n an coshealg Mac Grigoir is garg daoine,
Nior mhince coin cro-dhearg, gu longphort cloinne Bhaoisgne.
Linn trodach de thoisichibh, 4iridh leis an la catha,
Fir iad air oirleachaibh, ’g a luchd ti ’san tachair.
Ceannas fion ’us fitidhantais, coitchinn is clit dh’a chinneadh,
Air barn ghaisge ghlé dhearbhas, Mac Grigoir gradh ni bheil.
Tomadh ’n a chuirt coluath, saolaim cuideachd a ’s colg teann,
Or dearg air an dornairibh, airm leoghain Loch Abh.
Co sheirm eadar clarsaichibh, na daoine an Iéich ’n an lamhaibh,
A luchd ti o thaibhlisibh a dol far gheibhear gadhar.
Mac Grigoir bos barr chorcuir, Mac Diarbhuil buaidh a Ghallaibh,
Aon chara na calmachd a lamh, le’r rainig gach rath buaidh.
Ito
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Boy feil re fillyth a ne v‘clymont cossne
Di vaddee a clw kinnaze er heiliga a laif louye
Mare mwm ollone teyve menzail is math comma
Ni clar ga commol corgra groy na sowa.
) Boye hearn.
A houdir go ym bard roygh finlay.
Hest ein doyll ni geyll skaile is coyr a chomeith
Way ra der lot chaalle is crossimeil tork maale gin waas
A hewrin hanik er dwss ussit a skayle ymbuss
Mir haa wea reiss er ball in gae zreiss in deoyll
Di naskiddir er fa rinn nor a zaig say teach eyffrin
Toycht din downe chadni er assi is cowle ra readli farris
Nayr hanik in tork dow bimmy dayvin ga chwnryth
Gerwe moeyr gi bestyth gir hein gow hanwe oyl eddyth
Er eggill a weith gin nee rinnith zi v‘royre
A ckuycht gi honnarych ann an rycht chonna in neiffrin
Is coyr in nagryth hay in deewe ag allane er in deolew
Gar bee faa reit orrith er leym no heim etrycht
Ts meith skwri ryth warwne hennwythick weicharne
Vek royre on wour a mach foyr nee gin low gin lawych
Fa chathram a chur in sinne dlewm conyth re collwm
O see cathram ter ulle allane weil wyonurre
Di rinn tussi is ne he wanenych creach y is rellig ooran
Is tow zochin gi borbe ann coychill nyn nord is nyn neiffrin
Is tow woyr olk inchezawle is tow vok a keiss si termyn
Is tow is geltee noss a mach la lentir foss di hossych
Ach ein wille er a law clee di wrayr a v‘royree
Ne closs di zlo 0 sin machi si cross wee zid wallichyth
Math in deiss faa in will di lane dowsen foyss is dalwyth
Woo cheyd tossych di chogge a wrane clossich in abbe
Creach ellyth nach royth sin lygh er fenane in glen gar
Wallich di neive fertyth feyne di weill zalytth a allane
Id taa mir gith neiwe elli a deilt a orwrrych
Chur dowich la chwiss feyn in cowych in guwss allane
Di her zowich is di loyg di wonit deit a chraw hoygh
Leggit derri di wurn eddir selli is sowyrnni
Ne henyth a wee a banenych faddyth o bin chroich allane
Na looyewe er layr in ir quhoy ga wayr is ga fwyr
- Meith in ness skurri zid ter a v‘royre anmein
Ellein nach gress in gress cathrame tesgin is orchess.
Hest.
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MODERN] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. Ill
Buaidh feile ri filidhibh, a ni Mac Laomuinn a chosnadh,
Do mhadaidh a chlit ceann-aigh, air thiolacadh a lamh luath.
Mairidh muime ollamhan, mingheal is maith com,
Na cliar ’g a comoladh, corcra a gruaidh no sigh.
Buaidh thighearn.
Is e ughdair so am bard ruadh Fionnladh.
Theasd aon diabhul nan Gaidheal, sgeul is coir a chuimhneach,
Bha ri daor lot chille is chroise, maol tore mall gun mheas ;
A ifrionn thainig air tis, usaide an sgeul iombus,
Mar tha bhi ris air ball, an gathaibh ghreas an diabhuil. .
Do nasgaidear air faraon ’n uair a dh’ fhag se teach ifrinn,
Teachd do ’n din cheudna air ais, ’us cil ri reulta Pharrais.
’N uair a thainig an tore dubh, b’iomadh deamhain ’ga chur,
Garbh meoghar gach béisd, gur h-aon guth sheanmh uile iad ;
Air eagail a bhi gun ni, roinneadh do Mhac Ruaraidh,
A chuid gu h-onoireach ann, an riochd chon ann an ifrionn.
Is coir an agradh tha an diugh, aig Allan air na diabhlaibh,
Ge ’r bith fa ruig orra, ar leam ni thiom eadrochd,
Is mithich sgur ri foirionn, sheanmhadhach mhiochaireanach,
Mhic Ruaraidh o’n mhuir a mach, fhuair ni gun lith gun lamhach.
_ Fa chaithream a chur an suim, dligheam coinnidh ri Calum,
O ’s e caithream an tir uile, Allan mhaoil a mhionoir,
Do rinn tusa ’us ni h-e mhain, creach I ’us reilig Orain,
Is tu dhochainn gu borb ann, cochull nan ord ’us nan aifrionn ;
Is tu mhor ole Innse Ghall, is tu bhochd a cis ’s a tearmunn,
Is tu is geilte nds a mach, le leantar fds do thoiseach,
Ach aon bheil air a laimh chli, do bhrathair a Mhic Ruaraidh,
Ni clos do ghled o sin a mach, ’s a chrois bhi ’g ad mhallachadh,
Maith an dithis fa an bheil do lan, dubh sin fds is dealbh,
O cheud thoiseach do chogaidh, a bhreun chlosaich an Aba,
Creach eile nach robh ’s an lagh, air Finan an Gleann Garaidh.
Mhallaich do nimh fhearta féin, do mhaol dhealbh, a Allan,
A ta mar gach nimh eile, a diolt a oirbhireach ;
Chuir dithaich le chuis féin, an cuthach an gnuis Allain.
Do shaor dhuthaich ’us do shluagh, do bhuineadh duit a chradh thuath,
Leigeadh deireadh do mhuirn, eadar Seile, agus Subhairn.
Ni h-ioghnadh a bhi buininn, fada o binn chroiche, Allan,
Na luaidhe air lathair an fhir, chaidh ’g a mhathair ’us ga phiuthair,
Mithich a nis sguir dhe d’aoire, a Mhic Ruaraidh ainmhine,
Oilean nach greasann greas, caithream d’éisgein is oircheas.
Theasd.
112
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Hoaris mak mir in taayr mach er flathew ir neolyes
A areoll a eyg si agna is me ga chaddrew in looyss
Fess is agna flaa oyra raath la in deantir
Der lat in mak soo foyr mee gir a bea in royree cadna
Is innyn in dy chooyll is monor za olt faymyth
Is innin woltyr in gaew torkild is ayir ayrrewich
Da deggew ra linn torkild ni hay lokgi din tromm zawe
Di ne za bert is boyn aythris zor v‘colman
Immi carde er a moltyr torkill in awra chreive
Er low is er lawyth curre a tacht gow dulline ...
Is der me za halle dess ane si eolyss
Nach danik fer a eiss is farre no re so looyss
Da bi less a charga worwe schayd is sorve hor sal
Di wronna ni v‘corkill da rochin ter a inna
Ag m‘royere ne mercholl da ym beit in sann cholg sneith
No schayd elli a ber foynow di wronna so re ennycht
Skea chenzaik no schayd orryk far aiss formit ni wulle
Wssless ym brwnnych no elli ollew in sirri
Da ym bea in lea mor mathi zaithew no in dark drwtych
Ner wunyth farda clachlin gin weith fa eachree dwltych
Da bi less in dow seillin m‘leoda da in nythrin clarri
Less ni haksow in teachsin ga ba a racha da harre
Ta ag torkill ogeanych nach myghich namm choltke
Cosga gych terri zi hylych di loyg menych gow cokgi
Ne warri no eiss cachullin na torkill dwlling tentaa
Lawe is callma si is clista fer wreisse gi a bernna
Gar zinvin m‘v° corkill ne wollin ay er ansicht
Far is tress in noyr awza ewthir zraw zin wratycht
Ne elle ni re no flaa di wadda rath za goalla
Ne v‘callen katreine boss weilli arla doilch . . .
Inynn earla erzeill in neywen is farri hoaris
Horrimyr ben ir neille di zayk wor zreive zast
Ne v‘callen crowich oykwla cowle mir in cornan cass.
Hoaris.
A houdir so gillecalum m‘yn noollew.
Hanic yvyr mi hurss cha lamm quhoy in wlygin soo
Ne tugsi zi nach nacht tug mi hurss hecht mir hanic
Gai bee neach nach tuggi sin hecht coythlane dim chow
Ni lwtsi faich om chomm turssi na creachew royowm
MoERN.] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 113
FHUAIREAS mac mar an t-athair, mach thar flathaibh ar n. edlais,
A airill ’aghaidh ’us aigne, ’us mi ’g a chaidrimh an Leodhas ;
Fios agus aigne flath, uair rathach le an deantar,
Deirim leat am mac so fhuair mi, gur a b’e an Ruaraidh ceudna.
Is ionann an da chiul, is onoir athar dh’ a ’fholt fainneach,
Ts ionann a mholtar an cathaibh, Torcuil ’us ’athair airidheach.
De’n tigeadh ri linn Thorcuil, ni e lochda do’n trom dhaimh,
Do ni dha beart ’us buaidhean, aithris a fhuair Mac Colmain.
Tomadh ceaird air a mholtar, Torcuil an amhra chraoibh,
Air lith ’us air lamhach, cuiridh a thaic gu dol an cathaibh.
A deir mi dh’ a thaobh, @éis aithne ’s a edlas,
Nach tainig fear d’a aois is fearr, no righ so Leodhais.
Do bu leis a chairge mhordha, seud a’s soirbhe a fhuair sail,
De bhronnadh Mac Mhiec Thorcuil, da rochdainn tir a fhineadh,
Aig Mac Ruaraidh nam mircheol, do’m bitheadh an seann cholg snaigh-
’N a seud eile a b’fhior fuanadh, do bhronnadh se righ Eanaich. [each,
Sgiath cheannghaig ’n a seud oirdheire, fear is farumaich nimheil,
' Usa leis am bronnadh, no a bheil ullamh an sireadh,
' Da am bith an leth mor maith, dh’ eachaibh ’n an dearg druidhteach,
_ Nior bhuineadh fear a chleachdainn, gun bhith fo eachraidh diultach.
Do bu leis an Dubh Seibhlin, Mac Leoid do ’n iarrann cliara,
Leis na th’ aigse an t-each sin, ge b’e a rachach @’ a iarraidh.
_ Tha aig Torcuil dganaich, nach meathaich an 4m chogaidh,
_ Casgadh gach tir dh’ a theaghlach, de shluagh miannach gu cogadh.
_ Ni b’fhearr ’n a aois Cuchullain, na Torcuil d’fhulang teanntachd,
Lamh is calma ’s is clisde, fear a bhriseas gach a bearna.
Ge’r ionmhuinn Mac Mhic Thorcuil, nior mholainn e air annsachd,
Fear is treise an uair agha, iuchar ghriidh do ’n bhantrachd.
_ Ni bheil mac righ no flath, do b’fhaide rath do chualas,
_ Ge minic leinn an rochdainn, is fearr no Torcuil a fhuaireas.
Ni Mhie Chailein, Caitriona, bos mhil earlamh dualchas,
- Inghin Iarla Earaghaidheal, an aon bhean is fearr a fhuaireas.
_ Fhuaireamar bean ar n-ile, de gheug mhor dhream ghasda,
_ Ni Mhic Chailein chraobhach dgail, cil mar an coirnean cas.
Fhuaireas.
Is e ughdair so Gilliecalum Mac an Ollaimh.
_ Thainig aobhar mo thuirse, cha leam chaidh a bhliadhna so,
_ Ni tuigse do neach nach tuig, mo thuirse theachd mar thainig,
_ Cia b’e neach nach tuigeadh sin, theachd comhlan do ’m chumha,
_ Na lotsa feuch o’m chom, tuirse na creuchda ro gheibheam.
8
114
THE BOOK OF. [ANCIENT.
Is hevin lami ga degkir royf tegwaill er chort ni co.
It ta ym brone gym crayg fa claa is mor mi zrayg zin.. .
Ha mi crei na za la cha neynith aa weith breista
Ha mi chorp gin noyill gin nwll mir wocht gin troyr ch .. .
Cha neynith kow za mayd orrwm in ney v‘merraid
A beith ewnich er waath yn ir cha nwlmist flaath zaks . .
Is trwmi zwnith na zwl anwon na zey sin seill
Mi craw is toyr er zwll ass in law foaris wo Eithnis
Ga dagkir lamm dellew riss m‘oone a choarra will . .
Is messi ay gyn willi ass gin way tilli gow heinis
Ga fadda weithm woa mow is mi luch toayllis ym zei
Di bi zanith mi rayth rinn kenich cha nearrih orr . . .
Cha neynith magnith di waith re faggin tearn elli
Mi lane gin mi wreith gi tromm o ta mi re gin anw . .
Di crawg mi cre za essi skaill is furris a assness
Cha nelli fwlich er mi wrone di wlygh cwrith mi. . .
Mor mi wrone is ne henith doith cha twrssi ta. . .
Zargin mi creith gi lomm gin sleith in albin aggwn
Nessi oss egin doif tryill mi wee ag caithf.. .
Ra luithsi di banith zwll a hinsoo ald a alb. .
Ga di rylum is degkir lwm ga ta mir eahw orrwm
Mi rown di zlowe a mew cowle reim zowe ym zeyge
Is sai neit fa derri zoif er lamne cha vec in tyvir
Gin mi zeil a heacht er ass eill er a lechtisi enis
Is trwm na ayg sin a low tanic za amsir
A cnoo chre si craw cwrp gin slee ag caich ga zeilt
Ner hellis dwnni er doithin a wayd a raith er chensichyth
Gyr falli orn agis ort malli lar horn a hygirt
O sai zonedir a zwll troyg nach awl di waamir
A vmur wasszall vinn gin dwn tasgin aggin
In nean neach ra yere zill na gar gin doll na zeyge
Noch rayey is feddi no sin din waid vag di wontyr
Luch catdrew a chowle gamm er nanich chach a gomun
A nagni di choye er assi troye gi caddrew ass taguss
Da bi zekgir commis rwmm is di we om hearn aggwm
Catdrew coychoill is tawf agni roywor gin an lawe
Nor hed caith za dy noyll is sea mi chwt da nonor
Weith fa wrone gin dein a mew ag goyll mi zeill di chowe
Tym anvin gin dol ter ayss cha nanin cowe ass Magwss
. ach aggi din chowe mee is palte ni dowe elli
. ymith neach roythin reyve di chur cowe fa zemeyg
. ha wonso darvir loom wrskal nar zawe roythim
Di quhoala mee fad 0 hen—ut sequitur in alio loco ete.
Mac sowalti ni bree binn daltan chaiff is chonell.
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MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 115
Ts aoibhinn leam ge deacair roimhe, teugbhail air ghoirt cna. . .
A ta am bron gu ’m chradhadh fo ’m chléibh, is mdr mo ghradh do’n. . .
Tha mo chridhe ’na dha leth, cha-n ioghnadh e bhi briste,
Tha mo chorp gun fheol gun fhuil, mar bhochd gun treoir .
Cha-n ioghnadh cumha dh’ & meud, orm an deigh Mhic Mairirid,
Abhi cuimhneach air mhaith an fhir, cha-n bheileamaid flath 0 dh’fhag.. .
Is truime dhuinne na dhol, anmhuinn ’n a dheigh ’s an t-saoghal,
Mo chradh a’s d’fhuair air dhol as, an lamhach fhuaireas o Aonghus,
Ge deacair leam dealach’ ris, Mac Eoin a chomhraidh mhilis,
Is miosa e gun mhilleadh esa, gun bhi tilleadh gu ’innis.
Ge fada a bhitheam o m’Agh, us mo luchd tuaileis a’m dheigh,
Do bu dheanadh mo rath ruinn, ceannach cha-n iarradh orra . . .
Cha-n ioghnadh m’aigne do bhaithte, ri faicsinn tighearn eile,
Mi lAn gun mo bhrigh gu trom, o ta mo righ gun anamain.
Do chradhadh mo chridhe d’a dis, sgeul is furasd a fhaisneas,
Cha-n eil fulachd air mo bhron, do bhlagh cuiridh . . .
Mor mo bhron ’us ni h-ioghnadh dhomh, cha tuirse . . .
Dheargainn mo chridhe gu lom, gun sliochd an Albain againn.
Nis o ’s éigin domh triall, mo bhi aig cach fo. . .
Ri luidhese do b’aithne dhol, 4 h-innse ald na h-Albainn.
Ge do thriallaim is deacair leam, ge ta mar fhiachaibh orm,
Mo rin do dhlt a mighadh, cdl re’m dhithaich a ’m dheigh.
Is e an ni fa d’dirich dhomh, ar leam cha bheag an t-aobhar,
Gun mo ghaoil a theachd air ais, Ile air a leth taobh Innis.
Is trom na aghaidhsan, a lith thainig dha aimsir,
A cnamh’ chridhe ’s a cradh’ chorp, gun slighe aig cach d’a dhiolt.
Nior shaoileas duine ar domhainn, a mheud a rath air cheansachadh,
Gur falamh oirnn agus ort, mala le’r h-oirnn a thigeadh.
O ’s e ghuineadar a dhol, truagh nach amhuil a bhamar,
A Mhic Mhuire bhos-gheal bhinn, gun duine a d’asgainn againn.
An aoin neach r’a aghaidh ghile, na gur gun dol ’n a dheigh,
Noch rath is fada no sin, de’n mheud bha aig do mhuinntir.
Luchd caidrimh a chuil cam, air n’ aithnich cach an comunn,
An aigne do chaidh air ais, is truagh gach caidrimh as d’eugmhais.
Do bu dheacair coimeas rium, ’us do bhi o ’mthighearn agam,
Caidreamh cochaill ’us daimh, aigne ro mhor gun a laimh.
’N uair theid cach dha do’n 41, is e mo chuid de’n onoir,
Bhith fo bhroén gun deanamh migh, ag dl mo dhiol de chumha.
Taim anmhuinn gun dol tar éis, cha-n anmhuinn cumha as m’eugmhais.
Cach aig do’n chumha mi, is pailte na dubha eile,
Tomadh neach romhainn riamh, do chur cumha fo dhimhiodh,
. na bhuin so dearbhar leam, ursgeul na’r ghabh romham,—
Do chuala mi fad o shean, etc.—Ut sequitur in alio loco.
Mac samhailt na brigh binn, daltan Chaoimh ‘us Chonuil.
116 THE BOOK OF _ [ANCIENT.
Artour dawle mak eurkych.
Dail chawle er chastel soyne swork in nathre in innisfail
Markeich yth rachtych nyth tonnyth glantyr barkyth done nyth zawe
Fir ardyth geggyr nyth longso er lome loyth lenis cort
Newe lawyth gin galzaith gast nare scarryth snast swork
Dyth chottonew is dew zegre yin nyth barg fa chrewe laig
Dyth chothrew in gress clar zone lochlynnych is armyn eaid
Dyth clyew gin or is ded eggyr vark nyth brad done
Narre claith dyth zaithew galzaith skaith re fraew lawrych long
Er skayth scai er sewddai brakith broo scarrych chorkrych cloch nor
Broythnyth ad keve agis collar er teve nyth slat ro zarrowe
Geyth gorm in golnew lowark long gai lenyth nare traith
Claith hend zai gohind dyth cholgew forrin skaith re bordew barg
Mnaew findmyth in grenanew longsyth lappyth ard ag naynyth vawle
Pyllyth vrakkyth zawe gane darryth lap ag mnaew ra hanelaith and
Pyllyth wrakith royl is tynoll is e sen lochr in long
Byve hwnenyth syth ror goth dwllych royl chorkir oss gych cran
Gin lawin chroy gin chreiss codyth nar gerve seiss gin chur la clar
Na said derrit and gyn nymirt dyth clarrew cland vyn ard vail
Ner cholis urdil in nane zor nynoss gyn chur re kard
Na said or 0 errin aggyth dyn wrone var hang dattych derk
Ni low la long zane loigew ym baith na nach is nid boe
Gin ocht gin von dew gyn wronenyth snee el ter gyn lomyth loe
Ne heillssyth loa carve zai garrew in lane dynnoss hyntych voy
Ag ryne or er vardew ra hard zoive carve coyne
Ymit fer land is fer lorych ymit fer loith gyth lem caith
Ra sow monezone farg farzone ra hard in long banchar blaith
Ka so la soltyr in cawlych er chaslane soyne sleive trom
- Fer srengych nach sechnit sedyth lai chryne schorryth codeith coy
One m‘soyne soil yth longsyth er drome yth choyne croy in kenn
Cryne yth long deine chor in nard dervit tone in varg . . .
Geith gyth derrych zove nane dye ag keil akkyth deryth trait
Soil vrakkyth zove na bolgew oyne id tech gow bordew barg
Gavis eine aggirsaid evin in nuch chnappiddil corg kow . . .
Nawra vartew donenyth dalvych lakrych crandyth lowyth is
Lynd ag ballichew albin fartych faltych ra hocht sliomis . . .
Alin sin in gorkrych colane sillyth drochtych lomlane lynd
Faltych ag sroythew sleyve moone re m‘soynyth sleve miss
Teggyth tantyth daksk nane nyrvr daltyr mir rask rinland riss
Leggyth gaiggyth in glownyth fow fartych failtych rar vlaith coil
Mest slantyth cowl gych callyth trome in valtyth nye oyne
nt, <eity ss e i a a : p -
A a ese Ce eee en ae a ee
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 117
Artuir dall Mac Gureaich, ~~
Dail chabhlaich air Chaisteal Suibhne, suaire an eachcraidh an Innisfail,
Marcaich a rachadh nan tonn, glantair bare an tonn nior ghabh.
Fir arda ag eagar na luingse, air leam luath a leanas cuairt,
Ni bhith lAmh gun ghalghath gasd, an aireamh sgarach, snasda, suaire.
Do chotanaibh is duibh dh’ eagradh, do na bhare fa chraobh léig,
De choraighibh an crios clir-dhaoine, Lochlanaich is armuinn iad.
De chleathaimh gon or ’us dend, eagar bhare nam breid donn, _[long.
An aireamh cliath de ghathaibh galghath, sgiath ri fraighibh lamhrach
Air sgiath sgiothach air sgud breac, bri sgarach chorcrach, chlothara,
Broin fhad caomh us comhlair, air taobh nan slat ro gharbh. [traigh,
Gaoth ghorm an guailnibh an luath bharc, long ’g a lionadh an ¢iridh
Cliabh theann do chochuinge de cholgaibh, foirionn sgéith ri bordaibh bare.
Mnathan fionn an grianaibh ’n longsa, leabaidh ard aig nigheanaibh mhall,
Pille bhreac dhoibh gun d’fhuaireadh, leap aig mnathaibh ri eanfhlaith
Pille bhreac de shroil is taithneal, is e sin lothar an long, [ann.
Baoibh, shonnanach, ’s an ruathar gu dol, ’shroil chorcuir os gach crann.
Gun lamhan chruaidh gun chrios cuide, nar garbh sios gun chur ri cleir,
Na seoid @eirich ann gun imirt, de chliaraibh, clann bhinn ard bhéil.
Nior chualas urdail an Fhian, dh ’ur n-innis gun chuir ri ceaird,
Na seoid tr o Eirinn aca de’n bhroin bhar-sheang, dathta, dearg.
Ni luath leatha long dhe ’n longaibh, am bi na neach ’us ni’d beo,
Gun och, gun lionn dubh, gan bhron, ’s ni bheil teirginn loma leo,
Ni shaoileadh si luath cairbh de chairbhibh, an lan de ’n nds shinte
Aig roinn or air bhardaibh, ri h-d’rd dhoibh cairbhe cuain. [uaith,
Tomadh fear lann us fear luirich, iomadh fear luath gu leum catha,
Ri stgh muinghin fairg fearghuin, ra h-ard an luing banchair blaith.
Cia so le soltar an cabhlach, air chaislean Suibhne Sleibh troma,
Fear sreangach nach seachnadh seideadh, le chroinn sireadh chuid cdir.
Eoin Mac Suibhne, seol an longsa, air druim a chuain, cruaidh an ceann,
Croinn an luing dean chur an aird, dearbhaid tuinn a bhare sin. . . .
Gaoth gun déirich dhoibh ’n an deigh, aig Caol Aca deireadh traigh,
Siuil bhreaca dhoibh ’n am bolgaibh, Eoin a teachd gu bord . . .
Gabhas an acarsaid acibhin, an uchd Chnapadail coirce . . .
An amhra mhor, tiugh, donn, dealbhach, lacharach, crannach, luath us...
Leinn aig ballachaibh Albainn, furtach failteach ri uchd sloimh . . .
Aluinn sin an corcradh comhlan, sileadh driuchd lomlan loinn.
Failteach aig sruthaibh Sleibh Muin, ri Mac Suibhne Sleibh Mis,
Tigidh cainntich d’fhogus ’nan eirbhar, daltair mar rosg roinnlan ris.
Leigidh geug an glin fo fhairtidh, faillteach ri’r bhlaith goil,
Misde slainte ctl gach cala, trom am failte an aghaidh Eoin.
118 THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Tegge eiss ellin albin yth farrit faltyth er one chone miss .
Lweh canteith myr venour dychnir failtyth o renew riss
Grayth wee ymirwae ane ettryth feine in nan choil
Annyth mir doesyth dey hr mr hai tullyth hanyth oyne
Dyth neid caith in gasslane soyne fa hawik chroithin chryn vurb-
Soyit fa hymchil in scorsen fynvar neve luslane lurk
Za ley hollis tewe nawit myr neve nathyr gone nyth grand
Keil clave o zress ezoyr meilnayr less golnyth gawle
Cellar mitt oil v‘soyne ra solss in nad clwk dyth choym
Is feyr nach deine din clok in cawor sie deine doltnych valklang vor .
Nor nach deine dai lwrych thrawre er skai chottone na skadow
Gavis rachlin sceinezar scarrych mevor clathwan calm cor
In tane clai is farryth sin norpe sai is lewrych lenis myne
Cai skaith sin doyn nach dingsen treach gyn noyn clyne erm
One m‘soyne ny sly godyth lai cholg tane teskbych vawle
Sar nach skaith wai skai brak done taris treach dekhorn dawle.
Dail chawle.
Yssbell ne v‘kellan.
Margi za gallir in erawg ga bee fa fane abbrum ee
Degkir skarrichtin ra phart troyg in chayss in vellum feyn
In grawg sen tuggis gin ness oss sai mi less gin a loyth
Mir hwe mi furtych traa beeth mi wlaa gi tannyth troyg
In fer sen za duggis graw ys nach feadis rawge oss nard
Da gurfee missa boyn gymi do feyn is kayd marg.
Margi.
A houdir so dunchaa ogga.
Seachta seyda ter mo hee ta gach sayada deive gim lot
Teachta eddrim agis dea o say sin is mean lam chorp
Hein dew ta in near ym bey za in goo anmyth creiss
Menknit waal ay mee in boyt er ne hanyth foss yn neiss
In darnyth sayda in drwss sin a chwss da willum der
Woo lot nyth syda na zoo ne ellwm boa woa a rein
In tress dew id taa in naltew mi craw is steith
Cha lega in lessga za doyn miss slee chor er beitht
An carrow sayd in tant a zea mark in doyr ee gwn
Furtych cha naym rem ray gin reach crea er mo vwn
In cogew sayd din zlag chur demis a chur rwm gi holk
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 119
Tigidh aois Eilein Albainn, a farrach faillte air o’n thonn meise,
Luchd cainnte mar bhuinear, deichnear faillte 0 rannaibh ris.
Greath bhi iomarbhaidh ann, eadara féin ann an cedl,
Aithne nithear doibh ’s an deagh uair, mar tha tulach hine Eoin.
Do nithead cath an Caislean Suibhne, fa sheabhag chroidhein a chroinn
Suidhead fa thimchioll an sgor sin, fionnmhor nimh luslan luirg. [bhuirb,
De shleigh thollas taobh namhaid, mar nimh nathair guineich grannd,
Caol chlaidheamh o ghreas a f huair, meilnichear leis colna Ghall.
Ceilearmaid uile Mhic Suibhne, ri soillse an fhad ghlug d’ an chuain, [mor.
Is fior nach dean do ’n ghlug an cabhar, ’s e dian, diultnach, balglan,
Ni’r nach dian doibh luireach threibheir air sgiath chotan na sgeith donn,
Gabhas Reachlinn sgian-gheur sgarach, meobhar claidhean calma corr.
An tan chlaidheamh is fearr ’s an Eorpa, se is luireach le na ’s miann,
Cia sgiath ’s an domhain nach diongainn, treabhach gun on cloinn Eirinn.
Eoin Mac Suibhne na sligheadach, le ’cholg tan, teasgach, mhall, [ach, dall.
Fear noch’sgiath bhi sgiath bhreac, dhonn, fhuaireas treabhach, deaghrun-
Dail chabhlaich.
Iseabail ni Mhic Chailein.
Mairg do ’n galar an grddh, ge b’e fath fa ’n abraim e,
Deacair sgarachdainn r’a phiirt, truagh an cas ’s a bheileam féin,
An gradh sin thugas gun fhios, 0 ’s e mo leas gun a luaidh,
Mar fhaigh mi furtachd trath, bithidh mo bhlath gu tana truagh ;
Am fear sin do ’n tugas gradh, ’us nach faodas radh og n-aird,
Da cuiridh mise am buan chioma, domh fein is ceud mairg.
Mairg.
Is e ughdair so Dunchadh og.
Seachd saighid ta air mo thi, ta gach saighid diubh ’g am lot,
’Teachd edraim agus Dia, o ’s e sin is miann le’ m chorp ;
A h-aon diubh ta an t-uabhar, am bi dha an gath ann mo chrios,
Minic a mheall e mi am buaidh, air ni thainig fois a nis.
An dara saighead an drus, sin a chuis do bheileam daor,
O lot na saighid ’n a ghd, ni bheileam bed o a rian ;
An treas diubh a ta, an altaibh mo chré a stigh,
Cha leig an leisg dhe ’dheoin, mise slighe choir air bith ;
An ceathramh saighead an t-sannt, a Dhia mairg an d’fhuair e guin,
Furtachd cha-n fhaigheam ri m ré, gun riochd cré air mo mhuin.
An cuigeamh saighead an glamair, dimeas a chuir rium gu h-ole,
THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
Cut re marrum a chrawg agis o noch slane mi chorp |
Zeiwe in tessow sayd garga churris ferga eddrwm is cayd
Mwrre chaska nyn nurchir reym o nath wewm dein gow brath
An seachtow sayd in tuil formit is tnow riss gi neith
Ni sayd gay in waymot kin inta sin cha nil er breith
Zlaksin ille nach choyr mor a wilter lessin narm
Char heilk dwn zeyve nar woyal char woul dwn reyve nor warve
Currwm peaddir ein v‘dey is crea nyn nostil gyth beacht
Eddrwm agis gwn nyn arm is v psalm no vi no seacht.
Seachta.
Auctor murreich albanach.
Meich doth treyl gow teigh pharris nor a zone gon a sorve
Cossnome in teyg trane gin cherri gyn skail ag nach el orn
Dane dy struth rad haggirt scor cwne gi dlow ymit tolk
Na berra a hy reith gyn ag skail is preve ra akre ort
Na dan folchan id fekgith ga grane re ynnis a holk
Legga did chwt a clath davr mar be angre zayvil ort
Dane di he ris in luchd drach ga din ga avezon lad cor
Scur rid locht di zul dyn doyn ma ym be olk ri oyn ort
Marg a threig teyg in ardre er zray phekke troy in nee
In tolk in ne donna gi devyr ymmi in sin feyzin mon zneve
Ag so sermon di heil nawzeve mir helim nath vil sche in brek
Fulling a vaissyth schal gow sathin in fer noch dothe gin ded
Ar a chenych seil nawzeve dwl a cholle agis da chree
Er a reir gi dany salke gyr ga deine ra ym begca mee.
; Meich.
Murreich ut supra.
Baith yn cre vec zey pekkich mir a mee mor in skail
Meissit dith di dor in neiss cross eiss crist er my vail
A eissi crist sayn ditvoss mayth za choss is mo za lave
Agis saynsi mis id zone a eddir ulli is sal is chnave
Ner scurris danew ulk di chin voyr mi churp an. . .
A choissvoyg gyn rove hawle er mi chenn is er mi chree
Raith mis a voyr vor vin gi brone a ma dor li mai
Sol fan dachaa mee fan nod gin rove roym gych rod raa.
Baith.
Soe ee ee
ue
MODERN. | THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 121
Cuide ri m‘urram a chradhadh, agus o nach slan mo chorp ;
Dhiubh an t-seathamh saighead gharg, chuireas fearg eadraim ’us cach,
Muire ’chasgadh nan urchair rium, o nach fhaigheam dion gu brath ;
An t-seachdamh saighead an t-stil, farmad ’us tnt ris gach ni,
Na saighid ’g am faigheamaid cion, annta sin cha-n ’eil ar brigh ;
Ghlac sin gille nach cdir, mdr a mhiltear leis an arm,
Char thilg duine dhoibh nar bhuail, char bhuail duine riamh nar mharbh.
Cuiream paidear aoin mhic Dhé, ’us creud nan Abstol gu beachd,
Eadraim agus guin nan arm, ’us cuig salm no sé no seachd.
Seachd.
An t-ughdair Muireadhach Albanach.
Mithich domh triall gu tigh Pharais, ’n uair a ghuin gun e soirbh,
Cosnaim an tigh treun gun choire, gun sgeul aig neach eile oirnn,
Dean do sriuth ri ’d shagairt, ’s coir cuimhneach gu dli mu d’ ole,
Na beir do thigh righ gun agh, sgeul is priomh ri agradh ort.
Na dean folchainn a’d pheacadh, ge grain ri innseadh a h-ole,
Leigeadh do chuid an cileith diomhair, mun bi angair gabhail ort,
Dean do shith ris an luchd dreuchd, ge dona, ge anbhuan le’d chor,
Sguir rid lochd, do ghul dean domhain, mu ’m bi ole ri fhaighinn ort.
Mairg a threigeadh tigh an Ardrigh, air ghradh peacaidh, truagh an ni,
An t-ole ni duine gu diomhair, iomadh an sin fiachan mu’n ghniomh.
Aig so searmon do shiol an Adhaimh, mar shaoilim nach bheil se am
Fulang a bhais seal gu seachainn, is fior nach deth gun d’theid, [breug,
Fhir a cheannaich siol an Adhaimh, d’ fhuil, a cholla, ’us da chridhe,
Air a réir gun deanadh sealga, ge’r ge dian ri’m bitheadh mi.
Mithich.
Am Muireadhach ceudna.
A bhi an cridhe Mhic Dhe, peacach mar mi mor an sgeul,
Mise d’a gun d’fhuair a nis, crois Iosa Criosd air mo bheul ;
A Tosa Criosd sean de’d mhos, mo dha chos ’us mo dha lamh,
Agus seansa mise de’d dhedin, eadar fhuil, ’us shal, ’us chnimh.
Nior sguireas deanamh uilc, do chion mhodr mo chuirp a ni,
A chaisrig gun robh thall, air mo cheann ’us air mo chridhe.
Rath mis a mhoir fhir bhinn, gach bron muw’n d’fhuair le mi,
Sul fa ’n deachaidh mi fo ’n fhoid, gun robh romham gach rod reidh,
A bhi.
122 THE BOOK OF [ANCIENT.
A houdir soo murreich albanych.
Dane mi heggissk a threnoit a hearn in deit in choyl
Ling er mi hange a threnot bennych inn id venot wor
A threnot new er ni neyve nert marm neyve in noss
Ling agis coddill ym chree a chinn phopbill neywe in noss
Stur my layve teggisk mi chree teggisk mi roskg reith nyn skayle
Ling er mi zouth gloss ym henge skouth reim chloos benne mi wayl.
Soo ym bayl leddri leive chaskis cayth chwneiss gi neith
Soo yn tange nach terg lawryth benne a herk manmi ee
Ort a threnoit ocht a threnoit ter yn leyghis lawyr rvmm
Id ta a will zal chrann darrych cree pekkych sallych yn sown
Gar zolk maa nar willis denyth ne zarni metlee a v‘zey
Mi law nochar leddar dwnyth fregir er zraw wur mee
Fer gin danynsi dane breyga er wrega ella awra gorm
Ne zin wreyga er wreyga ella re in deyd er ormmae
Hwss a hug elle in nwm ne hagoyr zoiss zwll reay -
Noch cha lawe in rik no aalsi helic dane dawsi ach dea
Ne dwni er talwun dim heggisk a hearn ach hwss feyn
Ne far a ne rann ach re neiwe di ne hawle si chre cheyll
Ma si licht fer er a willum caythe ay mayd moyd inn
Mass er a wreyg a taym a threnot leyg er layr ner royd inn
Ner choyr crea na tallow harrum ach tonn wraye beg in nerg
Ner choyr ne elli dim allich a reith ach tennyth zarrych zerga
Di zalvesi in teyve soo a threnot di hallow is di henni wee
Dwnni di henni is hallown fwnni zy r awli ee.
Tue following fragment is continued from pages 12 and 13 of the
Gaelic, where the first twenty-two lines of the composition will be found.
Having been misplaced in the ms., the leaf containing the following
lines was only discovered after the rest had been printed off :—
Ga beg a chwle chronanych ni in dad one zat zryme
Gin nis din re woralych ne rey fa wil a skaye
Ne hay sin di v‘cowle re math we sin ne faynow,
Rachteis fir in doythin ’n a thigh wle gin nearri
Is troygh lwm a henor is how in derri teissi
Cha chorymich a wra sin ver how er mi reissi
vopern.] - THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 123
Is e ughdair so Muireadhach Albanach.
Dean mo theagasg a Thrianaid, a Thighearna d’ an teid an cedl,
Ling air mo theangaidh a Thrianaid, beannaich ann ad bhinne mhdir,
A Thrianaid naoimh air na neamhaibh, neartaich m’ arm naomh a nis,
Ling agus codail a’m chridhe, a chinn phobuill neimh an nois.
Stiuir mo lamh, teagaisg mo chridhe, teagaisg mo rosg, righ nan sgeul,
Ling air mo ghuth, gluais a’m theangaidh, sguth ri m chluais, beannaich mo
So am beul leadradh leibh, chaisgeas cath, chuimhn ’eas gach ni, [bheul,
So an teangaidh nach teare labhradh, beannaich a sheirce m ’anamain.
Ort a Thrianaid, och! a Thrianaid, toir mo leigheas, labhair rium,
A ta amhail gheal chrann daraich, cridhe peacach salach an sunn.
Ge h-olc mi nior mhilleas daoine, ni dheanadh mearla, ’Mhic Dhé,
Mo lamh noch char leadar duine, freagair air ghradh Mhuire mi.
Fior gun deanainnse dion breige, air bhreug eile amhra gorm,
Ni dhe ’n bhreug air bhreug eile, a righ an teid air orm ;
Thusa a thug eile annam, ni h-eucoir dhomhsa dhol réidh,
Noch cha lamh ionraic no uasal, thiodhlaic dion dhomhsa ach Dia.
Ni duine air thalmhainn do ’m theagasg, a Thighearna ach thusa féin,
Ni fear a ni rann ach Righ neimh, do ni h-amhail ’s a chré cheill.
Ma ’s e slighe fhior air a bheileam, gabhaidh e meud moid inn,
Ma’s air a bhreug a taim a Thrianaid, leig air lathair an fhior roid fhinn.
Nior chuireas cré na talamh tharam, ach tonn bhraigh, beag an fhearg,
Nior chuireas ni eile do ’m fholach, a Righ ach teine giireach dearg ;
Do dhealbhassa an taobh so, a Thrianaid, do thalamh ’us de theine bhi,
Duine de theine ’us thalmhainn, fuine gheibhear amhlaich e.
Ge beag a chul chronanach, ni ’n teid aon ghath gréine,
Gun fhios do ’n righ mhoralach ’n a ré fo bhil a sgéith.
Ni tha sin do Mhac Cumhail, righ maith bhi sin na Fianna,
Rachadas fir an domhain ’n a thigh uile gun iarraidh. -
Ts truagh leam a sheanair ’us thu an deireadh d’ aoise,
Cha chothromach a bhreith sin bheir thu air mo righse.
124
THE BOOK OF
Barr in chath layddir verri fenni ny fayni
Na di hearnyth crawe is tow feyn lay cheill
Bog sin a henor a ne an coyra bolla
Is far dea re hynlay na fayne errin olla
Ga taring mi layis is me derri meissi
Phadrik na toythr ayhis er mathew clynni beiskni
Ne hurrinn zwt aythris ossin v° in reayne
Ach nath innyn far mathis agis flathis mi heyarni
Di warra aggwm conane far mewlass ni fayni
Ne legfe layd wnnill di chomis a cleyrri
Na habbir sen a ossin is anmein di wrayrri
Be fest gi fostynich is gawe hugit me ryilt
Da wacca ni catha is ni braddiche grast
Ne wee ane reid id ter ter ach moyir ni fayni
Ossin v° ni flaa mest tanmyn a beithyll
Na cwne ni cath cha nil ag asling sin seill
Da glun ni gyir is meith ni shealga
Rar lat wee na warri na wea si chaythir noya
Troyg sin a henor is meithur ni schelga
Faychin gi honnor za wil si chaythir noa
Na habbir sin a phadrik is fallow di wrayrri
In deggow sin daynyth barr finn is no fayni
Er a lawe v° eweissni ne fallow mi wrarri
Is farr angil din di hanglew na finn is ni faynyth
Da beanyth mir a weissith a gath zawryth ni beymin
Di zelin in demis ver tow er ayne errin
Dimmyth di wor zail er cath di heill
Ni warrin did choyth lawyth ach how neiss a tenour
Da marri mi zenissi ne estin di choyllane
Is zoywo di hemoo in narrik di choyrra
Da mardeis sin ulli si goynith ra cheilli
Ne wea mi holli lwe re vii caithe ni fayni
Vii fegthit urrit urrit vil tuss zi cleyrrew
Di huttideis sin ulli lay oskir na henyr
Ta tou in der di heill a henor gin cheyll
Scur a neiss id wreysrow is be fest zim rayr
Da wacca in lwcht cogthoill a v‘fin in alvin
Ne raacha za gomor re muntir ni caythre noya
Aggis ner low ir dynoyll nor heg most gow tawri
Sanossil ni braythryth fane woory zi rynis
Mathwm zwt a cleyrre di sgeul na hynnis.
Innis down.
[ANCIENT.
MODERN. ] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. yee
B’ fhearr an cath laidir bheireadh Fionn na Feinn,
No do Thighearn crdbhaidh ’us tu fhéin le chéile.
Bochd sin a sheanair a ni an cdmhradh boile,
Is fearr Dia re h-aon la no Feinn Eirinn uile.
Ge teirce mo laithese ’us mi an deireadh m’ aoise,
Phadruig na toir aitheas air maithibh Cloinne Baoisgne.
Ni h-urrainn dhuit aithris Ossiain Mhic an Rioghain,
Ach nach ionann ar maithese ’us flaitheas mo Thighearna.
Da marrainn agam Conan fear mi-bhlasd na Feinn,
Ni leigeadh le d’ mhuineal do chomas a chleirich.
Na h-abair sin a Ossiain ’us ainmeine do bhriathran,
Bi feasd gu foistinneach ’us gabh thugad mo riaghailt.
_ Da facadh na catha ’us na brataichean greasda,
Ni bhi aon rud ann d’ aire ach meoghair na Feinn.
_ Qisiain, mhic na flath misd d’ anamain a bicheanta,
_ Na cuimhne na cath cha-n eil aig aisling ’s an t-saoghail.
Da cluinnteadh na gadhair us meoghair na seilge,
B’ fhearr leat bhi ’n a ghoire na bhi ’s a chaithir naoimhe.
Truagh sin a sheanair is meoghair na seilge,
Fa chionn gach onoir dha bheil ’s a chaithir naoimh.
Na h-abair sin a Phadruig, is falamh do bhriathra,
_ An deugaidh ’s an deimhin, b’ fhearr Fionn ’s na Fianna.
Air a laimh Mhic Baoisgne, ni falamh mo bhriathra,
Is fearr aingeal de na h-ainglibh na Fionn ’us na Fianna.
Da bithinn mar a bhitheas an cath Ghabhra nam beuman,
Do dhiolainn an dimeas bheir tu air Feinn Eirinn.
Do imich do mhordhail air cach de d’ shaoghal,
Ni marrainn de d’ chomhlamhaich ach thu nis a’d aonar.
Da maireadh mo dhaoinese ni ¢isdinn do ghdlan,
Us gheibheadh tu do iompaidh an éiric do chdmhradh.
_ Da mhairdeas sinn uile ’s sinn coinneachadh r’ a chéile,
Ni bhi mo h-uile luaidh, ri seachd cathan na Feinn.
Seachd fichead uiread uiread am bheil tusa di chleirichibh
_ Do thuiteadas sin uile le Osgar ’n a aonar.
Tha thu an deireadh do shaoghail a sheanair gun cheill,
Sguir a nis de’d bhriathraibh ’us bi feasd do ’m réir.
Da fhacadh an luchd cochaill a Mhic Fhinn an Almhuinn,
_ Ni rachadh do chomoradh muinntir na cathrach naoimhe,
Agus nior lugha ar tionoil ’n uair thigeamaid gu Tabhra.
Ts anuasail na briathran fa ’n mhor righ a rinneas,
- Maitheam dhuit a chléirich, do sgeul ’n a h-innis.
Innis duinn.
126 THE BOOK OF - TANcIENT.
EonE makphadrik vee voylchollum v‘eoin doif vec cone v‘gregor
v‘eone v‘weillchollum vec conquhy veg v‘conquly a strwlee villelane
v‘ey urquhaych v‘kennane vec alpen agis in kennan sen bee ardree albin ~
gi daywin ansi norsin agis in teone soo an in tean dwn deyk von —
kennan so id dowirt me—agis duncha deyroclych m‘dowle v‘oyne ~
reywych di skreyve so a lowrow shenchyth nyn reig, agis roo zenyth —
anno d®! millesimo quin™® duodecimo. a
MODERN.] THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 127
Eorn Mac Phadruig, mhic Mhaoilcholuim, mhic Eoin duibh; mhic
Eoin, mhic Grigoir, mhic Eoin, mhic Mhaolcholuim, mhic Dhunchaidh
bhig, mhie Dhunchaidh a Sruileadh, mhic Ghillfhaolain, mhic Aoidh
Urchaidh, mhic Coinnich, mhic Alpain ; agus an Coinneach sin b’e ard-
righ Albain gu deimhin ’s an uair sin; agus an t-Eoin so an t-aon
- duine deug o’n Choinneach so a dubhairt mi.—Agus Dunchadh daor-
oglach Mac Dhughaill, mhic Eoin Riabhaich, do sgriobh so 4 leabhraibh
seanachaidh nan righ; agus ro dheanadh Anno Domini Millesimo
Quingentesimo duodecimo.
a NOTE BY TRANSLATOR.
THE Dean’s Ms. was put into the hands of the present trans-
lator a few years ago by Mr. Cosmo Innes, with a view to a
correct account being given of its contents. After a consider-
able time spent on deciphering the difficult handwriting, and
resolving the strange and irregular orthography, he gave a fuller
account of it than had been given before, in a paper read before
the Society of Scottish Antiquaries. He was aware that a
transcript of the Ms. had been made by a Gaelic scholar of the
highest reputation, the late Mr. M‘Lachlan of Aberdeen; but
that transcript was altogether unknown save by one or two
individuals, and was at the time thought to be lost. In Decem-
_ ber 1860, the publishers proposed to the writer that he should
undertake transcribing and translating the ms. with notes,
Mr. Skene undertaking to write a_ historical introduction, with
additional notes. There was good reason for reluctance in
undertaking such a work. ‘There was immense difficulty in
the task itself, consisting very much in an exercise of in-
genuity, the results to be tested by comparison, in guessing
) the meaning of words phonetically spelled; there was the
labour of writing the same thing in three different forms ;
and there was in all this large demands upon, time otherwise
|" engrossed by the duties of a profession, whose ealls the keep-
ing of a good conscience, and duty to a Divine Master, would
| not admit of being neglected or postponed. The work itself,
130 NOTE BY TRANSLATOR.
however, was very congenial, as contributing somewhat to
the literature of the Celtic countrymen of the writer, the
literature of a period, too, of which few other literary remains
of theirs exist. He therefore undertook to devote his spare
hours for a season to the work, which is now laid before the
public. |
The difficulties did not become less than was anticipated
when they came to be practically dealt with. There was first the
transcription of the original. A facsimile specimen of the writing
is given in this volume, from which some idea may be formed
of its character. The handwriting is the current English hand
of the fifteenth century, with a few additional peculiarities
borrowed from the Gaelic writing of the same period, as
practised both in Scotland and Ireland. As is common in ~
the writing of the period, the same sign is used both for ¢ and |
t. There is often no distinction between o and e, w and n, or f .
and s; and in the hurry of writing the Dean often wrote m for —
nm, and vice versd; and the letter z stands for all the sounds ~
resembling the consonant y. Besides, there are numerous con-
tractions, the same sign being often used for in, 7m, and 7, and
the Irish dot (-) is often used as a substitute for h. The Ms. is”
in many places much decayed, and the writing in consequence
much obscured, while the orthography is by no means quite
regular. The transcript has, however, been carefully made from
the original, and compared again in proof, and the reader, with q
the allowance necessary in the circumstances already described,
may feel assured that in the original, as printed, he has a correct
copy of the Dean’s work. |
The work, however, was not beyond the threshold when the
transcription was complete. It was in interpreting the Dean’s—
phonetic Gaelic, so as to form the modern Gaelic edition, that |
the chief difficulty arose; and here the translator was left alto-
gether without guide to lead the way, except in the case of a few
NOTE BY TRANSLATOR. 131
‘of the Ossianic poems. There were three peculiar difficulties to
be encountered here,—first, the frequent occurrence of obsolete
words,—words not to be found in any dictionary of the Scottish
Gaelic,—and the meaning of which could only be learned from
some acquaintance with the ancient Ms. writings of Scottish
and Irish scribes; secondly, there was the introduction into the
Dean’s grammar of the Irish eclipsis, turning in his orthography
J into w, ¢ into g, 6 into m, and d into n, without any hyphen ; and
there was, last of all, the accentuation, which, in a number of
the pieces, lays the emphasis on the latter syllable of dissyllabic
words, and thus alters to a Scotch reader the whole rhythm of
the lines. Many of these pieces will not read as poetry at all,
unless read in accordance with the Irish method of accentua-
tion. It was known to all acquainted with early Gaelic litera-
ture, how much there was that was common to the literature of |
Seotland and Ireland. This miscellany fully establishes the
fact, while it also shows that, in the fifteenth century, Scottish
Gaelic, as exemplified in some of these compositions, especially
those of Finlay M‘Nab, had its own distinctive features. There
is nothing more interesting than the weight given in the allu-
sions in these poems to the existence and influence of the Bardic
schools at the period, and the large prizes usually bin formed by
the wealthy on successful poets.
The translation into English was, upon the whole, a less
arduous process than the previous one. It might have been
otherwise had the attempt been made to translate into English
| poetry. This, however, has been carefully avoided. The ren-
. dering has been made so literal as that the meaning of every
sentence in Gaelic is conveyed in English, so far as the editor
has been able to do it; and the translation is merely somewhat
lightened, and the reading made more agreeable, by having the
baldness of mere literality removed, and the lines made some-
what smooth and flowing.
132 NOTE BY TRANSLATOR.
In some cases the spelling and handwriting together have so
obscured the words, that the editor has been quite unable to
give anything like a satisfactory rendering ; hence there will be
found, in a very few instances, what are apparently different
words in the original and modern version. Some instances will
also be found of words written in the modern version according
to the analogy of the Dean’s orthography, while the precise
word intended has not been identified. The editor has only to
say regarding these and any other cases of doubtful rendering,
which in such a work must be numerous, that he will be happy
to receive through the publishers any. suggestions from Gaelic
scholars which may help to secure greater accuracy.
It is only necessary to say -farther, that in extending the
modern Gaelic version of these poems, it was perfectly im-
possible to exclude all the older forms of the language. In ©
many places to do so would have been to destroy the whole —
poetical structure of the composition. It was essential to retain —
the “da,” if, the “ fa,” on, or wnder, and the “co” or “go,” with,
besides numerous forms of the verb, which it is the practice now
to call Irish, but which were common at an early period to the
literature of both countries. It was perfectly impossible, with —
anything like justice to these compositions, to bring them
into exact conformity with the rules of modern Scottish Gaelic.
The present volume contains every line of Ossianic or Fenian
poetry in the Dean’s ms. It also contains every composition —
having reference to Scotland, with the exception of five ; two of j
these being so much defaced, and so many of the words obscured ~
by time and exposure, that it is impossible to give anything —
like an accurate version of them. The other three are eulogies —
on the clan Gregor chiefs, so much of a piece with those already
given, that they would not contribute to the literary value of ~
the work. The purely Irish poems of the O’Huggins, the }
O’Dalys, etc., are not given in this work, whose object is to. |
NOTE BY TRANSLATOR. 133
illustrate the language and literature of the Scottish Highlands
at an early period. A few specimens, such as the laments of
Gormlay, wife of Nial Glundubh, and daughter of Flann Sionna,
Queen of Ireland, have been transcribed as specimens, which —
may be not uninteresting either to the Scottish or Irish reader.
The Irish compositions are, with few exceptions, of a religious
character.
T. M‘L.
EDINBURGH, December 1861.
In a note at p. 43, itis said that an edition of the poem
by Allan M‘Rory, there translated, would be given at the
close of the work, as taken down from the recitation of an old
woman, Christina Sutherland, in Caithness, in the year 1854.
It is now given, but without a translation, which is not
thought necessary.
DUAN CATHA GHABHRA.
Is trom an nochd mo chumha féin, guilgeantach mo rian,
Smuaineachadh a chatha chruaidh, chuir mise ’us Cairbar dei inctht
A mhic ’s a Chormaig shuinn, is mairg sin fhuaireadh fo a laimh,
Laoch gun ghriin cha do ebuit: ann a dha laimh iuthaidh.
Labhairidh Baranta gu prap, cuimhnich Mucanais, cuimhnich fathasd,
Cuimhnich ’ur sinnsreadh, ’s ’ur linn, cuimhnich na cisean bhitheadh
cruaidh,
Bha aca an Kirinn ri’r linn, gu ’n bhi ag iocadh do Mhac Cumhail.
Gu ’m b’fhearr tuiteam air a mhagh, sinn ’us an Fheinn le chéile,
No bhi air barr a mhaigh, bhi an Fheinn air a mhodr thir.
_ Chuir sinn ar comhairle chruaidh, sinn ’us an Fheinn ri aon uair,
Feuchainn an cuireadh gach dg aghach, ceangal air. . .
An oidhche sin duinn gu 1d, eadar mhnathan Fhiann ’s na Feinn og 01,
An la sin gu ’m bitheamaid muigh, ’g oillt air Chairbar ’na liath-theach.
134 NOTE BY TRANSLATOR.
-
Chuir sinn sin Cath Ghabhra, ’us chuir gu fuathach, fuileach, feargach,
Thuit an Fheinn bonn ri bonn, ’us feara uasal Eirinn.
Deich fichead agus fichead ceud, sgeul fior, ni abraim breug,
Gun robh sinte an la sin, air a mhagh gun anamain,
Dha uiread eile ’us sin bha ann, aig righ Eirinn, sgeul bu mho,
Gun robh sinte air an taobh eile, de uaislibh Eirinn airm-ghloin.
Chuir sinn ar teachdair saor, gu Fathacanain mac a Choin,
Rachad an teachdair o ar cinn, gu ard thulach Eirinn.
Ciod e sin a phlddh a bhuail oirbh, ars’ an righ le meud a thoirm,
Is e mheud ’s a bha annaibhse d’an uabhar, sin a mhill na fir eile.
Ach innis duinn Oisiain fheile, ’n uair chuir thu gach iorghuill treun,
An d’fhuair thu do mhac anns a chath, no an d’rug air ’ard labhradh.
Thainig mi an deigh cur an dir, os cionn mo mhic Osgair digh,
Gun d’fhuair mise a sgiath ri lar, ’s ’s a lann ’n a dheas laimh ;
Chuir mi bonn mo shleagh ri lar, ’us rinn mi os a chionn tamh,
Phadruig, smuainich mise ‘an sin, ciod a dheanainn ri mo shaoghal ;
Gum b’e freagairt mo mhicse féin, ’n uair bha e an deireadh anamain,
“Fo ris na duilibh, thusa a bhi lathair, athar.”
Ach nior their mise a ghd, freagairt cha robh agam dhd, |
Ach an d’ thainig Caoilte cain, thugamsa dh’ fheuchainn Osgair.
’"N uair dh’ fheuch Caoilte gach cneadh air choir, fhuair e gach aon ni o
dhdigh, |
Fhuair e ’chorp creuchdach, glan, air a sgaradh le geur shleaghan ;
Sleagh chrithinn a Chairbair ruaidh, an innibh Osgair, mo thruaighe !
Bha lamh Chaoilte gu uileann deas, ann an dite na sleagha,
Leud na coise bhan air ’fholt, cha robh sin sldn ’n a chorp,
Ach an ruigeadh e *bhonn Jar, ach ’eudan ’n a h-aonar.
Mar bhuinne aimhne bha a shnuagh, no sruth reothairt bha ro luath,
Gun robh e ’cuir ’fhola dheth, ’am blaghaibh a luirich.
Thog sinn an t-Osgar suas, chunnacas tochdair mu ’r coinnimh,
Fionn mac Cumhail is e treunmhor, ’us e ’g imeachd feadh an t-sloigh,
Ag iarraidh mo chorpsa ’s a chath, ’us corp Osgair an aird fhiatha,
Corp Chaoilte nach tinn, deagh mhic a pheathair ionmhuinn.
Chunnaic sinn nis Fionn, ’us e ’g imeachd feadh an t-sloigh,
Thog sinn ar sleagha os ar cionn, ’us ruith sinn uile ’n a chomhdhail.
Bheannaich sinn an sin do Fhionn, ’us cha d’fhreagair esan sinn,
Ach ruith gu tulach nan treun, far am bith Osgar nan arm geur.
"N uair chunnaic an t-Osgar Fionn, ’us e tamuil os a chionn,
Thog e air an aghaidh aluinn, ’us bheannaich e d’a sheanair,
Beagan bu mhiosa thu na sin, an la Chab-an-eudainn,
Chiteadh na neoil troimh do shlios, ’us dh’fheudar do leigheas,
Rachad na coirean air luathainn, troimh do cholainn chraobh uallaich,
D’fhuaigheal dh’ iarr thu Je goid, nach d’rinneas air laoch romhad.
aie ie, he
le
.
= a
See
NOTE BY TRANSLATOR. 135
Mo leigheas cha-n ’eil aig fail, nocha-n fhaighear e gu brath,
Tuilleadh cha-n ’eil agaibh do ’m thoirbheirt, ach an t-sreangsa do ’m ard
labhradh, .
Sleadh Charbair chradh mo chridhe ’s gur i sgar mi o mo chairdibh,.
Chuir e sleadh nan naoi slinn, eadar m’imleag ’us m’airnean,
Mo thruaighe sin! Osgair fhéile, ’s a dheagh mhic mo mhicse féin,
Bha sgaradh na sleagh o do dhruim, ’n am togail cis o shliochd mhor
Chuinn,
D’eisdeachd ri briathraibh Fhinn, an ainm an Osgair dhuinn,
Shin e uaith a dha laimh, ’us dhin e an rosg bha ro mhall.
Thionndadh Fionn ruinn a chil, ’us shil a dheura gu dlu ;
An taobh muigh de Osgar ’us de Bhran, gun chaoineadh air neach bh’air
thalamh. :
Cha chaoineadh duine a mhac féin, ’s cha chaoineadh e brathair ’n a
dhéigh,
Bha sinn mar sin uile, ’s gach neach a caoineadh Osgair.
A mhain ach mi féin ’us Fionn, cha robh aon neach os a chionn,
Nach tug tri glaodhan mu’n uaigh, chuir clos air Eirinn ri aon uair.
D’éisdeachd ri beucaich nam fear, ’us sgreadail nan comh-mhilidh,
Ri faicinn an oig-fhir threin, ’us e ’n a luidh ’n a bhaoth-neul,
Ge b’e righ thigeadh an sin, gheibheadh e foide gun aoidh,
Gun fhuathach, gun umhladh, gun dail, gun achmhasan, gun iomadan.
O’n la chuir mi cath Ghabhra, gu dearbh mi gun trom labhradh,
Us oidhche cha robh mi no lo, gun osnadh bha gu lionmhor.
T. M‘L.
=e
— Tae
ADDITIONAL NOTES.
(Introduction, p. XV.)
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IRISH AND SCOTCH GAELIC.
Dr. O’Donovay, in his Irish Grammar, gives a statement of
these differences, which is somewhat meagre. He appears, how-
ever, to have had little knowledge of Scotch Gaelic, except what
he gathered from Stewart’s Grammar ; and this statement of the
differences between the two dialects is taken almost verbatim
from a prior statement of them by P. M‘Eligott, in the Trans- —
actions of the Gaelic Society, published in 1808, p. 15.
Dr. O'Donovan, in his account of grammars previously pub-
lished, gives Stewart very just praise for the excellence of his
Grammar; but throughout his own work he never loses an
opportunity of carping at him, and is especially indignant at
him for daring to state that the Scotch Gaelic wants the present
tense of the verb, and very disingenuously quotes Shaw’s Gram-
mar as a superior authority. He likewise attacks Stewart for
not producing ancient MSs. to prove it, and for not seeing that
the present tense is used by Bishop Carsewell, in 1564, Stew-
art, however, was not undertaking a grammar of the ancient
Scotch Gaelic, but of the dialect then spoken by the people;
and most unquestionably, in the spoken dialect of Stewart's
time, the present tense was not used. Dr. O’Donovan denies
this fact, and even charges Stewart with dishonesty. Huis theory
is, “that Stewart was induced to reject this tense, in order to
establish a striking point of resemblance between the Erse and
the Hebrew, which the Irish, supposed to be the mother tongue,
had not,’—a most unworthy insinuation, and most unphiloso-
phical, for O'Donovan ought to have known that the changes
138 ADDITIONAL NOTES.
which take place in the structure of spoken languages proceed
from organic laws which cannot be influenced or directed by
grammarians. The will of any single man is powerless to alter
the minutest particle in the language; and the fact that the
inflected present tense is not used in Scotch Gaelic, is evident
to any one acquainted with the language, or who has come in
contact with those who speak it.
Dr. O’Donovan also finds fault with Stewart for expressing
an opinion that, “as the Erse dialect has not the inflections in —
the termination of its verbs, which characterize the Irish, it is
therefore more original than the Irish.” This is, no doubt, an
erroneous view; and O’Donovan correctly states “that the mode
of inflection, by varying the termination, is more ancient than
the use of particles ;” but he might have recollected that the
contrary opinion was very generally held when Stewart wrote ;
that the sounder principles of philology, in this respect, were
not known or understood till after the publication of his Gram-
mar; and that he could not, with any candour, impute it to him
as a fault that he had not anticipated the conclusions of a
science which had, so to speak, been created subsequently to
his time. That the same peculiarities existed in the language in
the last century, is proved by the fact that the Gaelic colonists
in Canada, who have been separated from the mother country
since that period, speak a form of Scotch Gaelic precisely simi-
lar to that now spoken in the Highlands, and possessing all
those dialectic peculiarities which distinguish it from Irish.
- Although the present tense of the verb is usually expressed
by the auxiliary, the Highlanders also use the future tense to
express the present.
The leading differences between Irish and Scotch Gaelic may
be stated generally as follows :—
SOUNDS OF THE LANGUAGE.
1. The initial consonants are not affected to the same extent
as in Irish and Welsh ; and in pure Scotch Gaelic the eclipsis
is unknown, except in the case of the letter S.
eee eS | ee
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 139
The following table will show their relative position in this
respect :— :
TABLE SHOWING THE CHANGE IN THE INITIAL CONSONANT IN -
WELSH, IRISH, AND SCOTCH GAELIC.
WELSH. IRisH. Scorcu GAELIC.
Initial
ala Eclipsis. | Aspiration. Nasal. | Eclipsis.) Aspiration. | Eclipsis. Aspiration.
P B | Ph Mh | B Ph Ph
0 G |Ch Ngh | G Ch Ch
T D |Th Nh | D Th Th
B M |BhorF M Bh | Bh
G Geb ios no] Gh | 2 | Gh
D N | Ddor Dh N Dh ‘ Dh
Ul L L ae
M Mh or F Mh Mh
Rh I'R fa R
F fi Bh | Fh- Fh
S T Sh - Sh
2. In Irish, words beginning with A may take the digamma
F, as ail, faill, a rock; ata, fata, a plain; dolair, fiolavr, an
eagle, etc. The digamma never appears in Scotch Gaelic.
3. The vowel sounds O and U in Irish, pass into A in Scotch
Gaelic ; as, oir, Iv, air, Sc. G.; og, Ir, ag, Se. G.; ugadh, Ix,
achadh, Se. G.; chuaidh, Ix., chaidh, Se. G.
4, The vowel at the end of nouns in Irish, is dropped in
Scotch Gaelic ; as, tégherna, Ir., tughearn, Se. G.
5. In the consonants the older form is often retained in Scotch
Gaelic ; thus, the initial S in Irish, is often D in Scotch Gaelic,
which is the older form, as swi/, Ir., duil, Sc. G.,—hope. S is
sometimes changed to P, as siuthar, Ir., piuthar, Sc. G.,—-sister.
140 ADDITIONAL NOTES.
6. The accentuation in Scotch Gaelic in dissyllables is on
the first syllable; in Irish, on the last.
GRAMMAR.
1. Artecle.
The genitive plural before a labial is nam.
| 2. Noun.
The nominative plural frequently ends like Welsh and Manx
in an; as, Slatan, rods ;
Maithean, chiefs.
3. Verbs.
The analytic form is alone used, there being no inflections
for persons or numbers.
The Irish present is used as the future, and there is no present
tense."
The past-participle is invariably te hard, and is not varied as
in Irish.
There are no consuetudinary tenses.
4. Adverb.
The negative is Cha, instead of N72, in Irish.
VOCABULARY.
There is a considerable difference in the vocabulary words
being now used in Irish, which are unknown in Scotch Gaelic,
and vice versa, and a comparison of the lists of idiomatic
‘phrases in Irish or Scotch Gaelic shows a very great difference
in the mode of expressing familiar phrases.”
1 Tn the old form of the verb, in Ger-
man, the present tense exercised like-
wise the function of the future.
2 Since this note was written, the
writer has learned with great regret of
the death of Dr. O’Donovan, and hesi-
tated whether these strictures on some
opinions in his able Irish Grammar
ought to be retained, but justice to an
equally able Scotch grammarian seemed
to require them ; and he may be allowed
this opportunity of expressing his sincere
admiration of the great learning and
knowledge of that distinguished Irish
scholar, and his sense of the loss which
Celtic philology has sustained by his
lamented death.
et ee
a
TS.
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 141
(Introduction, p. 1xxxiv.)
The Welsh poem alluded to is contained in the Welsh
Archeology, vol. i. p. 168. The text is, however, very corrupt.
It has been translated by Mr. Stephen in the Archeologia
Cambrensis, new Series, vol. ii. p. 150, who did not, however,
see its real character, and very strangely supposes it to refer to
the actions of Cuichelm, one of the West Saxon kings, who died
in 636, and whom he identifies with the Chocholyn of the
poem, while of Corroi, son of Dairy, he can give no account.
The poem is in reality an Ossianic poem referring to the
death of Curoi, son of Daire, by Cuchullin, the celebrated
Fenian hero of Ulster.
Keating gives the following account of the death of Curoi :—
“The heroes of the red branch united to plunder an island near
Alban, called Manann, where there was a great quantity of gold,
silver, jewels, and many other valuable articles, and a lovely ~
marriageable young lady, who surpassed all the women of her
time in exquisite figure and beauty, the daughter of the governor
of the island, and her name was Blanaid. When Curigh was
informed that the heroes were setting out on this expedition, he
transformed himself by magic into a disguised shape, and joined
the party ; but when they were on the point of plundering the
island, disguised like jugglers, they judged that there would be
ereat difficulty in taking the fortress in the island, in which
were secured Blanaid and the valuable treasures of the whole —
island, on account of its strength and the number of men who
defended it. Then Curigh, who was attired in a coarse grey
habit, engaged, if he were to get his choice of the treasures, that
he would himself take possession of the fort. Cuchullin pro-
mises this, and immediately they attacked the castle with the
man in the grey habit at their head, who stopped the motion of
an enchanted wheel that was placed at the castle gate, and let
in all the troops, by whom the fortress was sacked, and Blanaid
and all the treasure borne away. They then set out for Ireland,
and arrived.at Evan; and on dividing the treasure, the man in
the grey habit demands his choice of the jewels, as was promised
142 ADDITIONAL N OTES.
to him. ‘ You shall have it, says Cuchullin. ‘ Well, then,’ says
he, ‘ Blanaid is the jewel I choose.” ‘Take your choice of all
the jewels except Blanaid alone, replies Cuchullin. ‘TI will not
exchange her, says Curigh, and thereupon he seeks to carry her
off by force; and having surprised her unperceived, took her
away concealed under an enchanted mask. When Cuchullin
perceived that. the lady was missing, he suspected that it was
Curigh that stole her off, and pursued them directly to Munster,
and overtook them at Sulchoid. The champions engage, and a
brave and well-fought contest ensues; but at length Cuchullin
was overcome by Curigh, who tied him neck and heels, and left
him shackled like a captive, after cutting off his hair with his
sword, and then carried away Blanaid into the west of Mun-
ster. Then, however, came up Laogh mac Riain of Gabhra, and
unbound Cuchullin, and they set out for the north of Ulster,
where they resided near the peaks of Boirche for the space of
a year, without appearing in the Council of Ulster, until Cuchul-
lin’s hair grew again ; and at the expiration of the year, happen-
ing to be on the peaks of Boirche, he saw a great flight of birds
coming on the sea to the north, and on their landing upon the
shore, he pursues them, and by a feat called T'aveim, killed one
of them with his sling in every district he passed through, until
the last of them fell at Sruv Bron, in the west of Munster. On
his return from the west, he found Blanaid in solitude near the
Finglass, in Kerry, where Curigh had a palace at that time. A
conversation ensued between them, in which she declared to him
_ that there was not on the face of the earth a man she loved more,
and entreated him to come near Allhallow tide with an armed
band, and carry her off with him by force; and that he might
the more easily accomplish his design, she would take care that
Curigh should, at that time, have but few soldiers or attend-
ants. Cuchullin promises to come to her at the appointed time,
and then takes his leave, and sets out for Ulster, and relates the
adventure to Choncubar.
In the meantime Blanaid told Curigh that he ought to erect
a palace for himself that should exceed all the royal palaces in
the kingdom, and that he might do so by sending the Clanna
tg pits: teen sa
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 143
Deaguid to gather and collect all the large upright stones in the
kingdom to form this palace. Blanaid’s reason for this was,
that the Clanna Deaguid might be dispersed in distant parts of
Ireland, far from Curigh, at the time that Cuchullin should come
to carry her off. Cuchullin, being informed that the Clanna
Deaguid were scattered over the kingdom, sets out privately,
and soon arrived at a wood near the seat of Curigh, and sends
secretly to inform Blanaid of his. arrival with a large body of
troops along with him. She sends him word that she would
steal Curigh’s sword; and then, as a sign of attack, that she
would spill a large vessel of new milk that was in the house
into the rivulet which flowed from the castle through the wood
where Cuchullin was concealed. Having heard this, in a short
time he perceived the stream white with the milk, when, sally-
ing out, they forced into the palace, and slew Curigh, who was
alone and unarmed, and took Blanaid away with them to Ulster.”
WELSH POEM.
MARWNAD CORROI MAB DAIRY.
Dy ffynhawn lydan dyleinw aches
Dyddaw dyhepeyr dybris dybrys
Marwnad Corroy am Cyffroes.
Ordyviwr garw ei anwydeu
A oedd mwy ei ddrwg nis mawr gigleu
Mab Dairy dalei lyw ar for deheu
Dathl oedd ei glod cyn noi adneu.
Dy ffynhawn lydan deleinw nonneu
Dyddaw dyhepeyr dybrys dybreu
Marwnad Corroy genhyf inheu.
Dy fiynhawn lydan dyleinw dyllyr
Dy saeth dychyrch draetb diwg dybyr
Gwr a werescyn mawr el faranrhes.
(Line wanting.)
A wedy mynaw myned trefydd
A ant wy fires ffra wynyonydd
Tra fu vuddugre vore ddugrawr
Chwedleu amgwyddir o wir hyd law
Cyfrane Corroy a Chocholyn.
144
ADDITIONAL NOTES.
Lliaws eu terfysg am eu terfyn
Tarddei pen amwern gwerin goadd fwyn
Caer y su gulwydd ni gwydd ni gryn
Gwyn ai fyd yr enaid ui harobryn.
TRANSLATION.
THE DEATH-SONG OF CORROY, SON OF DATRY.
I
Thy large fountain fills the river,
Thy coming will make thy value of little worth,
The death-song of Corroy agitates me.
ai;
If the warrior will come, rough his temper. —
And his evil was greater than its renown was great,
To seize the son of Dairy, lord of the Southern Sea.
Celebrated was his praise before she was intrusted to him.
ITI.
Thy large fountain fills the stream.
Thy coming will cause saddling without haste.
The death-song of Corroi is with me now.
IV.
Thy large fountain fills the deep ;
Thy arrows traverse the strand, not frowning or depressed.
The warrior conquers, great his rank of soldiers,
(Line wanting.)
And after penetrating, enters the towns,
And . . . the pure stream was promptly whitened.
Whilst the victorious one in the morning heaps carnage,
Tales will be known to me from the sky to earth,
Of the encounter of Corroi and Chocholyn.
Numerous their tumults about their borders,
Springs the chief o’er the surrounding mead of the somewhat
gentle wood.
A city there was, love—diffusing, not paling, not trembling.
Happy is he whose soul is rewarded.
Te ee ee
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 145
The allusions in this poem. are to Cuchullin’s expedition to
attack Curroi, to Blanaid’s giving the signal by filling the stream
with milk from a large vessel, and to the encounter between
Curroi and Cuchullin, in which the former fell.
It may not be out of place to insert here a few stanzas of an
old Manx historical poem, written between 1504 and 1522, to
show the relation of the Manx orthography to the Welsh and
to that of the Dean of the same age.
I.
Dy neaishtagh shin aghrish my skeayll
As dy ving lhielu ayns my chant
Myr share dy voddyms lesh my veeal,
Yinnin diu geill da ’n Ellan Sheeant.
Il.
Quoi yn chied er ec row rieau ee
Ny kys eisht myr haghyr da
Ny kys hug Parick ayns Creestiaght
Ny kys myr haink ee gys Stanlaa.
il.
Manannan beg va Mac y Leir,
Shen yn chied er ec row rieau ee,
Agh myr share oddyms cur my ner,
Cea row eh hene agh an chreestee.
TRANSLATION.
If you would listen to my story,
I will pronounce my chant
As best I can. I will with my mouth
Give you notice of the Holy Island ;
Who he was that had it first,
And then what happened to him ;
And how Patrick brought in Christianity,
And how it came to Stanley.
Manannan beg was son of Leirr,
He was the first that ever had it ;
But as I can best conceive,
He himself was not a Christian.
10
146 ADDITIONAL NOTES.
Poems, p. 3.
This poem has a strong resemblance in its character and
sentiment to the oldest poems in the Cymmrian dialect.
The oldest known poem in this dialect which has been
preserved in its original orthography is a short poem of
three stanzas, written in the Ivish character in a parchment
Ms. at Cambridge, containing a paraphrase of the Gospels by
Tuvencus, a Latin poet. The writing of this Ms. is anterior to
the year 700.
The poem is as follows :—
I. :
Ni guorcosam nemheunaur henoid,
Mi telu nit gurmaur.
Mi am france dam an calaur.
II.
Ni canu ni guardam ni cusam henoid,
Cet iben med nouel
Mi am france dam an patel.
TI.
Na mereit im nepleguenit henoid ;
Is diszur mi coueidid
Donn am riceur im guetid.
It is the song of a warrior mourning his fate and his soli-
tude, and may be thus translated :—
Neither repose nor sleep for me this night,
My house is no longer great.
For me and my servant no caldron more,
No songs, no smiles, no kisses this night,
As when I drank the fortifying mead.
For me and my servant no goblet more,
No longer joy for me this night.
My supporter is discouraged ;
No one aids me in my distress.
The Irish character, in which this poem is written, is of the
eighth century, and Villemarqué has remarked upon its re-
semblance in sentiment and character to a poem of Llywarch
Hen, a Cumbrian bard of the sixth or seventh century, whose
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 147
poems are universally admitted to be genuine, the orthography
of which is much more modern. The poem is in triplets, the
first line also ending with “heno,” and a single stanza or two
will show the resemblance :— |
Y stafel Kyndylan nis esmwyth-heno
Ar benn karee Hydwyth
Heb ner, Heb nifer, Heb ammwyth.
Istafel kyndylan ys tywyll—heno
Heb dan, Heb gerddau
Dygystudd deurudd dagrau.
The following are a-few of the verses :—
The hall of Kyndylan is not joyous this night,
On the top of the rock of Hydwyth,
Without its lord, without company, without feasts.
The hall of Kyndylan is gloomy this night,
Without fire, without songs,
Tears afflict the cheeks.
~ The poem, attributed to Ossian in the Dean’s Ms., is of. the
same character :—
Long are the clouds this night above me ;
The last was a long night to me.
This day, although I find it long,
Yesterday was longer still.
Long are the clouds this night above me.
No rising up to noble feats ;
No mirthful sport as we would wish,
No swimming heroes on our lakes.
Long are the clouds this night above me, ete.
Poem, p. 4.
This is a well-known poem, termed Sliabh nam ban Fionn.
A copy almost identic with this is published by the Ossianic
Society of Dublin in their sixth volume, and a comparison of
the first stanza with that of the Dean will show the relation the
orthography of it bears to his :— .
148 ADDITIONAL NOTES.
DEAN,
La zay deacha finn mo rayth
Di helg er sleyve ny ban finn
Tri meillith wathyon ny wayn
Ne zeaath skaow vass in ginn.
IRISH.
La da n-deachaidh Fionn na bhfiann
Do sheilg ar shliabh na m-ban fionn
Tri mhile do mhaithibh na bhfiann
Sul n-deachaidh grian os ar g-cionn.
It will be observed that the Ivish eclipsis is only partially
recognised by the Dean. 7
There is a copy of this poem in Kennedy’s Collection, p. 29.
The number of verses is the same, but some variation occurs
in the reading of several of them.
Dr. Smith remarks, in the Highland Society’s Report, that an
edition of this poem, under the title of La mor Seilg na Feinne,
occurs in the oral recitations communicated by the Rev. Francis
Stewart of Craignish, and another was written from memory by
Archibald M‘Callum.
Poem, p. 20.
The King of Sorcha is here opposed to the daughter of the
King of the Tir fo thuinn, or land beneath the waves; and in
this respect it resembles the Welsh poems, where the King of
Annwn and his daughter play so great a part.
Sorcha is light, in opposition to Dorcha, dark; and there
seems to be a poetic contrast between the kingdom of light and
the kingdom under the waves.
Historically the land under the waves was the low-lying
coast of Holland and Germany, extending from the Rhine to
the Elbe.
Dr. Smith remarks that this poem differs little from Ken-
nedy’s and other oral editions in the possession of the Society.
Poem, p. 26.
There is an edition of this poem in one of M‘Vurich’s Mss.
in the collection deposited in the Faculty Library. The lan-
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 149
guage is more Irish than the Dean’s. The first verse may be
given for the purpose of comparison :——
DEAN.
Sai la guss in dei
Oy nach vaga mai finn -
Chanaka rem rai
Sai boo yar lym.
M‘VURICH.
Se la gus an de
Nach faca me fionn
Ni fhaca re mo re
Se budh faide leam.
It will be obsérved that the Dean uses the Scotch negative
Cha, while M‘Vurich has the Irish Nz.
Poem, p. 30.
Dr. Smith states that this poem corresponds in a great
measure with one taken down from oral recitation in Sutherland
and another in Isla.
Poems, p. 35 and p. 48.
This poem is one of the editions of the Cath Gabhra, and,
along with the poem by Feargus Filidh on the same subject,
forms part of the long poem called Cath Gabhra, printed by
the Ossianic Society of Dublin in their first volume.
In this poem it is said—
Eastward we sent ambassadors,
To Fatha of Conn’s great son,
Or more literally —
To Fatha, son of Maccon.
The expression east or eastward always refers to Alba or Scot-
land, in contradistinction to west, which was Sire, and the
allusion here is to one of the mythic colonies from Ireland to
Scotland.
In addition to the historic colony of Dalriada in the sixth
century, the Irish historians record four colonies in pre-historic
times.
150 ADDITIONAL NOTES.
These were— . :
1. Dalriads under Cairbre Riada, in the third century.
2. The Clanna Breogan, under the Fathads, sons of Lugad
Mac Con, King of Ireland, in the third century, from whom
the Campbells are said to be descended.
3. Eremonians, under Colla Uais, King of Ireland, in the
fourth century, from whom the M‘Donalds are said to be
descended. |
4, Eberians, under Cairbre Cruithnechan and Maine Leamhna,
sons of Core mac Lughadh, in the fourth century, from
whom the Maormers of Marr and Lennox are said to be
descended.
The second of these colonies, under Fatha Canann, is here
connected with the legends of the Feinne.
Dr. Smith states that this poem agrees, with some varia-
tion in words and arrangement, with one transmitted by Mr.
Maclagan from oral recital.
The poem on the battle of Gabhra, attributed to Fergus, is
obviously the older piece, and some of the stanzas are the same
with those in the Irish poems. It also refers to the Feinne of
Britain and of Lochlan.
There is an edition of this poem in Kennedy’s Collection,
p. 148; and another, taken down from recitation, was communi-
cated to the Highland Society by Mr. Malcolm M‘Donald.
The first stanza of this poem, with the corresponding stanza
in the Irish poem, is given for the purpose of comparison :-—
DEAN.
Innis donn a earris
Ille feynni errin
Kynis tarle zevin
In gath zawrych ni beymin.
IRISH.
Innis duinn a Oisin
Re h’anam Fhianna Kirionn
Cia agaibh ba threise
[ g-cath Gabhra na m-beimionn.
aes eee eee ee ee ae e
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 151
It will be again observed that the eclipsis is only partially
recognised. The Dean seems rarely to employ it in the genitive
plural, where it is rigorously demanded by the rules of Irish
grammar.
Poem, p. 50.
Dr. Smith remarks that this poem agrees very much with one
got from Isla by recitation, and communicated to the Society
by Robert Campbell, Esq., Advocate.
Poem, p. 54.
Dr. Smith states that this poem, on the death of Fraoch, differs
very little from Mr. Jerome Stone’s edition, and still less from
Mr. Gilles’ Collection, page 107.
Poem, p. 58.
Dr. Smith remarks that this poem nearly agrees with one in
Kennedy’s Collection, p. 69. Some of the names are different, .
and the stanzas not all in the same order.
The same poem appears, with a few lines more or less, and a
slight variation of words and arrangement, in one of the Mss.
deposited in the Faculty Library ; and two editions were com-
municated to the Highland Society taken down from oral
recitation, one from an old man in Isla, the other from Donald
M‘Callum in Kilcalmonell, in Kintyre.
Poem, p. 72.
The idea which forms the subject of this poem is common to
the Gael and the Welsh.
Poem by Gilchrist Taylor, p. 93.
This poem certainly refers to the taking of the murderers of
James 1, by Robert Reoch Duncanson of Strowan, and John
Gorme Stewart of Garth. Robert Reoch bears on his seal two
greyhounds, and on 15th August 1451 received a charter from
James 11. of the barony of Strowan “ pro zelo, favore et amore
quos gerimus erga dictum Robertum Duncanson pro captione
iniquissimi proditoris quondam Roberti de Graham.”
152 ADDITIONAL NOTES.
John Gorme Stewart receives in the Exchequer Rolls a pay-
ment “pro arrestatione Roberti Grahame traditoris et suorum
complicium.”
Poem by John of Knoydart, p. 99.
In the Annals of Ulster there is the following notice of the
murder of Angus Og, son of John, Lord of the Isles :—
Aois Criost 1490, Mac mic Domnaill na h-Alpan, .i. Aengus,
1. nec da n-gairti an Tigerna Aacc do marbad a fill le ferted
Erennac, .i. Diarmidt h-ua Cairpri, 7 a n-Inhernis do marbad
h-e. That is—Year of Christ 1490, Angus, son of Macdonald
of Scotland, who was called the young Lord, was murdered by
his Irish harper, Dermed O’Cairbre, and at Inverness he was
slain.
The Annals of Ulster are cotemporary authority for the event.
Poem by Finlay M‘Nab, p. 125.
The Dougall, son of John, who is here reproached as a slug-
gard, and exhorted to write in the Book of Poems, was no doubt
the Dean’s father, Dougall Johnson. It would appear from this
that the taste for collecting Gaelic poetry was a family quality.
The genealogical poems relating to the M‘Gregors, M‘Dougalls,
and M‘Donalds, are curious, but it would be out of place to
enter here upon the family history of these clans.
W. FS.
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INDEX.
ACHILLES, 33 n.
Adomnan, Ixxxi.
Adonis, 33 n.
Advocates’ Library, Gaelic mss. in, vii.,
4 XXXVi.
Aidh Finliath, 101 x.
Aineach, 147, 112, 113.
ba or Alban, xxv., Ixxv., 82, 60, 61.
Albain, 8», 63, 44, 45, 65, 44, 45, 75, 54,
+55, 91, 66, 67, 96, 70, 71, 112, 84, 5)
114, 86, 87, 149, 114, 115.
Albanaich (Scottish Highlanders), xiii.
Alexander u., xxxiv., lxxx.
Alexander the Great, 110, 84, 85.
Allan of Lorn, 119, 90, 91.
Alleine’s Alarm, Gaelic version of, xl.
Allen, 8, 6, 7.
Almbuin, 8 n, a 58 59-
Almond, 54 n,
Alve, 19, 124, ee 72, 40, 41.
Alvin, 36, 24, 25, 48, 32, 33, 78, 56, 57, 80,
56, 57) ‘91, 66, 67.
Alpin, 6, 6, "7, 40, 26, 27, 138, 106, 107.
Angus, 72, O, 51.
Angus, Earl of Moray, xxx.
Angus Og of Islay, 146 n, 148 n.
Antrim family, xxxv.
Anubis, 51 7.
Aodh Ruadh, 20 x.
Aoife, 59, 40, 41.
Applecross, 22 n.
Arcardan, lxxxi.
Ardchattan, 119 n, 122 n.
Ardgour, 1xxxii.
Ardnamurchan, 21 7.
Argathelia, XXXii., xxxiv.
Argyle, 43 n, 135, 104, 105, 148, 112, 113.
Argyleshire, 54 n
Argyle, Archibald Earl of, 134 n, 135 n, 136,
104, 10
Argyle, Cailean Mor, 137 2.
Argyle, Colin Earl of, 127 n, 136, 104, 105,
Argyle, Neil of, 137 n.
Nore.—The numerals refer to the Introduction ; the common figures to the English Translation ;
and the ancient figures to the corresponding Original Gaelic.
Argyle, Sir Archibald of, 136, 104, 105.
Argyle, Sir Colin of, 136, 104, 105.
Argyle, Sir Colin of, 137, 104, 105.
Argyle, Sir Duncan’ of, 136, 104, 105.
Argyle, Sween of, oat nN.
Arile, 132 x.
Armstrong, R. A., xiii.
Aros, 132 n.
Arpluinn, 6 n, 8 n.
Arran, xxiv.
Art, 1, I, 2, 3n, 15, 10, 11, 35 n, 36, 50, 34
35: 62, 42, 43, 65, 44, 45-
Arthur, 139, 106, 107.
Art O'Carby, 99 n.
Athach, 55, 38, 39.
Athole Stewarts, 95 n.
Auchnacroftie, iv.
Authenticity of Ossian’s Poems, inquiry as
to, vi., X., xlvili.-lxiii.
Authors, names of, in the Lismore Collec-
tion of Poems, xlvi., xlvii., xci.-xcvi.
BapeEnocn, 107 n.
Badhairn, Mac, 20 n.
Bala, 11, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13, 78, 56, 57.
Ballad poetry, its influence upon literature,
XXXVIi.
Ballyshannon, 20 n.
Balquhidder, 132, 100, rol.
Banff, 37 n.
Banners of the Feine, 79, 56, 57.
Bannockburn, 7 7.
Banva, 27, 18, 19, 36, 37, 24, 25, 50, 34,
35, 88, 64, 6s, 114, 86, 87, 119, 90, 91,
135, 102, 103.
Barbour, the Scottish Poet, Ixxix., 1.
Bards of the Feinne, the three, Ixxix.
Barra, 11 ”, 132, 100, 101,
Barrin, 36.
Baxter’s Call, Gaelic version of, xl.
Bayne, 16, 12, 13.°
Bealach, 115, 86, 87.
Beatons, physicians in Mull, xxxvi., 148 n.
156
Bede, xxvii., Ixxii.
Bedel, William, xiii.
Bendoran, a poem, xli.
Ben Cruachan, 54 n, 84, 120 n.
Ben Gulbin, Ixxxi., 30, 20, 21, 31, 32, 22,
23, 95, 70, 71.
Ben Hi, 302.
Ben Lomond, 154 n.
Ben Nevis, 31 n.
Beth, 16, 12, 13.
Bible, first Gaelic, published, xl.; standard
edition of, xli.
Blair, Dr., xlviii.
Bleau, atlas of, xxiv.
Bloody Bay, 99 .
Boisgne, 12, 8, 9, 14, 10, 11, 19, 12, 13, 41,
26, 27, 43 n, 84, 62, 63.
Books, first printed, their influence on the
language and literature of the Highlands,
xlii,
Book of Poems, 125, 94, 95.
Boquhan, 143 n.
Borrin, 11, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13, 78, 56, 57.
Boyne, 127, 96, 97.
Bran, 6, 4, 5, 15, 12, 13, 83, 60, 61.
Brassil, 16, 12, 13.
Breadalbane, 116”, 132, 100, 101.
Breatan, Ixxv.-lxxvii.
Bregia, 26 n.
Brian, 105, 78, 79.
Bridge of Turk, 31 n.
Britain, 21 n, 49, 34, 35.
Britons, 139 n.
Brooke, Miss, Iviii., lxxvii., 22 », 26 n.
Bruce, King Robert, 1, 7.
Buadhamair, 63, 42, 43.
Bun Datreor, 80, 58, 59.
Burns, Robert, xxxviii.
Casar, 11 n, 21 n, 32 n, 35 n.
Cahir, 63 n.
Cainle, lxxxi.
Cairbar, 10, 8, 9, 35, 24, 25, 36, 39, 26, 27,
49, 34, 35, 59, 40, 41, 64, 44, 45.
Cairn Fraoich, 54, 36, 37.
Cairn Laimh, 54 , 57, 38, 39.
Caistealan na Feine, ii.
Caithness, 42 n.
Calliden, 60, 42, 43.
Calphurnius, Ixxxix., 6n.
Calvin, Catechism of, xxxix.
Camerons, 132, 100, 101.
Campbells of Glenurchy, iii., iv.
Campbell, Mr. J. F., 11 ».
Campbell, Sir Duncan, 116 x.
Caol, 84, 60, 61, 85, 62, 63.
INDEX. |
Caoilte, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13, 16, 17, 39, 24,
25, 48, 32, 33, 64, 44, 45, 65, 72, 50, 51,
72, 75, 52, 53, 77, 56, 57, 88, 64, 65. »
Caoilte MacRonan, Ixiv., 62, 42, 43.
Carn Vallar, 80, 58, 59, 142, 108, 109.
Carroll, 9, 6, 7, 17, 12, 13, 75, 54, 55, 82,
A 60, 61. . : oe
as a choin, 80 ;
Cashel, 100 n. ites %
Castle Sween, 126 n, 127 m, 151, 116, 117. —
Cath Finntragha, Ixxxii. :
Cathal Crodhearg, 157 n.
Catheads, 80, 56, 57.
Cattanachs, 132, 100, Io1.
Ceall, 78, 56, 57.
Ceard, 85, 62, 63. if
Celts, 21 n, 22 n, 31 n, 32 n, 34 n, 51 n, 85%
Chesthill, pass of, i.
Ciaran, St., 135 n.
Clan Campbell, 31 n, 87 n.
Clan Donald, 96, 70, 71, 1382, 100, 101.
Clan Dougall, 121, 92, 93, 123, 132, 100,
101. a
Clan Gregor, 132, 100, 101, 141, 108, 109.
Clan Lamond, 132, 100, 101. cad
Clan Lauchlan, 132, 100, ror.
Clan Leod, 132, 100, 101.
Clan Ranald, 132, 100, 101, 157 n.
Clann Deaghaidh, 50 n, 51, 34, 35-
Clanna Breogan, Ixxii. -
Clergy from Northumberland introduced
among the Cruithne of Scotland, xxvii. —
Clergy, Scottish, from Iona, influence of, o
the condition and language of the popu
lation, xxv., xxvi. ‘
Clonfert, Bishop of, lviii.
Clonmel, 4 n.
Cnokandurd, 16, 12, 13.
Cnucha, 89 n, 91 n.
Colin, Earl of Ergile, 119 n. eg
Coll, 9, 6, 7 89, 64, 65. i
Colleges of poetry and writing in Ireland,
XXXVi., XXXVil. a
Colonsay, xxiv , 132, 100, 101.
Columba, St., xxv., xxx., 37, 144, 110, IT
Comyn, Michael, lxii.
Conall Gulbin, 302.
Conan, 16, 10, 11, 18, 124, 125, 71, 50, 51,
72, 81, 58, 59, 83, 60, 61, 85, 62, 63.
Conlaoch, Ixxvii., Ixxxvi., 51, 34, 35, 53, 36
37, 89 n. i
Conn, 10, 8, 9, 35, 24, 25, 36, 101, 74, 75
121, 92, 93, 139, 106, 107, 141, 108, 10
Conn of the hundred battles, 121 ». ¥
Connal Cearnach M‘Edirskeol, 58, 40, 41,
59, 61, 42, 43. ; Fe
Connal Ferry, 120, 92, 93, 123, 94, 95.
nnaught, 12 n, 157 n.
nnor, 50, 34, 35, 52, 36, 37- a
ontroversy, Ossianic, sketch of the, xlviii.-
Ixiii.
onull Mac Scanlan, 98, 72, 73.
ore, 9, 6, 7.
rmac, 35, 24, 25, 62, 42, 43, 64, 44, 45,
65, 130 n.
wall, xxxii., xxxiv.
raignish, 133, 102, 103.
rinan, 153 n.
Crithear, Conn, 10, 8, 9.
omchin, 16, 12, 13.
romgleann nan Clach, ii.
rom nan carn, 76, 54, 55-
Cronwoyn, 78, 56, 57.
Crooin, 15, 12, 13.
ruachan, 54, 36, 37, 120, 90, 91, 122, 92, 93.
Cruinchan, 78, 56, 57.
ruith, 61, 42, 43.
Cruithne, the race so called, xxiii., xxvi. ;
the Scottish Cruithne become united to
the Scots, xxvii.
u, 51, 34, 35, 52, 53, 61, 42, 43, 90, 66, 67,
130, 98, 99.
Cuailgne, 14, 10, 11.
uan, 139, 106, 107.
Cuchullin, Ixxx., 51, 52, 36, 37, 53, 58,
49, 41, 59 n, 88, 64, 65; 89 n, 110, 82,
$3, 130, 98, 99, 134, 102, 103.
Suilt, 60, 40, 41.
Cullin, 51 n, 60, 40, 41.
Cumhal, 9, 6, 7, 14, 10, 11, 21, 14, 15, 29,
18, 19, 48, 32, 33, 75, 52, 53, 81, 58, 59,
87, 64, 65, 91, 66, 67, 133, 102, 103, 142,
— 108, 109.
Cunlad, 60, 40, 41.
Curcheoil, 134, 102, 103.
Curoi, death-song of, Ixxxiii.
Darrz, 86, 62, 63.
Daire borb, 20 n, 22 n.
Daire donn, Ixxxii., 7 , 10, 8, 9, 11, 12.
alriada, settlement of, among the Cruithne
of Ulster, xxiii. ; settlement of the tribe
of Dalriadic Scots in Argyle, etc., xxiv. ;
Scotch and Irish, xxvi.
Darthula, tale of, lix., lxxxvii.
David the First, xxx.
Dearg, 70, 50, 51, 72 n.
Deirdre, prose tale of, lix., lx.
Denmark, 135 2.
Dermin, 9, 6, 7.
Dervail, 143, 108, 109.
ee
INDEX.
157
Desmond, 105 n.
Dewar, 7 2.
Deyroclych (Daoroglach), vi., 161, 126, 127.
Dialects of the Celtic languages, viii., xii. ;
illustrated by English and its dialects,
ix., x.; affected by etymological and pho-
netic influences, xviii.-xx.; illustrated by:
English and German, xxi. ; variations in
Trish dialect, xxv.
Diarmad, 15, 10, 11, 30 n, 31n, 33, 22, 23, 34,
73, 50, 51, 81, 58, 59, 86, 62, 63.
Diarmad O’Cairbre, 99, 72, 73.
Dogheads, 80, 56, 57.
Dollir, 11, 8, 9.
Donald, Clan, 96, 70, 71.
Donegal, 20 n, 101 n.
Dougall, Clan ; see Clan Dougall.
Dougall the Bald, ii., iii., vi.
Doveran, 9, 6, 7.
Drealluinn, 21 2.
Druid, 26 n.
Druimfhionn, ii.
Drum Cleive, 77, 54) 55+
Drummond, Dr., lix.
Dublin Gaelic Society, lviii., lx.
Dublin Ossianic Society, Ix.
Dumbartonshire, 93 n.
Dunbreatan, Ixxv., Ixxxiv.
Dun Dobhran, 77, 54, 55-
Dun Reillin, 78, 56, 57.
Dun Sween, 127, 96, 97.
Dunanoir, 127, 96, 97.
Duncan Carrach, 119, 90, 91.
Duncan Mor, 93, 68, 69.
Duncan Og Albanach, 155, 118, 119,155 n.
Duncan the Servitor, vi.
Dandalgin, Ixxx., 51, 34, 35, 53, 36, 37, 88,
64, 65.
Dundeardhuil, lxxxi.
Dunolly, 108, 32, 84, 119 n, 122, 92, 93.
Dunscaich, 51, 34, 35.
Dunseivlin, 112, 84, 85,
Dunyegan, 1402.
Dyrin, 9, 6, 7, 89, 64, 65.
Dysart, 114 n.
Ear Geratp, 105, 78, 79.
Earla, 132, 100, 101.
Eassroy, Ixxxii. See Essaroy.
Higg, 110 x.
Hire, 77, 54, 55, 80, 56, 57.
Elga, 36 n,
Emania, the seat of the Cruthnian kingdom
in Ireland, xxiii., 35 n.
England, 8n, 49 n, 75 n.
Ere, 36n.
Erin, 10, 8, 9, 12, 19, 124, 125, 87, 24, 25,
158
49, 34, 35, 63, 42, 43, 65, 44, 45, 82, 60,
61, 88, 64, 65, 92, 66, 67, 105, 78, 79.
Taney, 20, 14, 15, 32, 22, 23, 33”, 80,
58, 59.
Etymology, influence of, on language, xviii.
Evir, 58, 40, 41, 61, 42, 43, 89, 66, 67.
Far, 14, 10, 11, 36 n.
Fainesoluis, 20 2.
Fairhead, 57 n.
Faolan, 78, 56, 57, 86, 62, 63.
Fargon, 9, 6, 7.
Fatha Canan, 87, 62, 63.
Faycanan, 87 n.
Fead, 15, 12, 13.
Fearluth, 86, 62, 63.
eae mentioned in the poems, 4, 4, 5, 7%,
6, 7, 9, 6, 7, 10, 8, 9,12, 14, 10, II,
is, 17, 12, 13, 18, 20, 14,°15, 26, 18, 19,
28, 31, 33, 22, 23, 41, 26, 27, 48, 32, 33,
49, 34, 35, 82, 60, 61, 141 m
Feinne, the, who they were, and what their
country and period, discussed, Ixiv.-
Ixxviii. ; objections to the Irish account,
Ixy. Axxi. ; light afforded on these ques-
tions by the legendary tales and poems,
Ixxiii.-lxxxii.
_ Fergusson, Professor Adam, xlviii.
Festivities of the House of Conan, tale of,
Ixi.
Foran, a celebrated scribe, Ixi.
Fergus, 43, 28, 29, 48, 32, 33, 83, 60, 61,
86, 62, 63, 139, 106, 107.
Fertan, 11, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13.
Fiach, 367.
Fian, 5, 4, 5, 82, 60, 61.
Fillan, 9, 6, 7, 17, 12, 13.
Fillan, St., 8 2.
Finan, 145, 110, III.
Finlay, the red-haired bard, 112, 84, 85,
114, 86, 87, 143, 110, III.
Finlochlans, xxxiii.
Finn, 1, 1, 2, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 8, 9, 6, 7, 14, 10
41, 15, 16, 12, 13, 19; 19, 20, 14, 15,22,
23, 26, 18, 19, 28, 30, 20, 21, 31, 33, 22,
23, 35 n, 37, 24, 25, 40, 26, 27, 41, 44,
28, 29, 47, 32, 33, 62, 44, 45, 71, 50, 51,
77, 54, 55, 80, 58, 59, 81, 141, 108) 109.
Finngalls, XXxii.
Firdomnan, Ixxii.
Fithich, 5A, 36, 37, 56, 38, 39.
Fitzgerald, ‘Gerald, 105 a.
Flann, 102.
Flodden, 134 x.
Fodla, 36.
Fomorians, Ixxv., 185, 102, 103.
Forgan, 51, 34, 35.
INDEX.
Forna, 11, 8, 9.
Fortingall (Fothergill), i. i. :
Fraoch, 54, 36, 37, 55, 38, 39, 56, 57, 58, —
40, 41.
France, King of, 11, 8, 9.
Gaxxic orthography, viil. ; vocabularies and —
grammars, xiil., xiv.; differences between —
Scotch and Irish dialects, xiv., XV.
Gallie, Mr., lvii.
Galve, 15, 12, 13.
Galway, 89, 64, 65. )
Garry, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13, 85, 62, 63, 91 2,
96, 70, 71.
Gaul, 9, 6, 7, 15, 10, 11, 17, 12, 13, 20, 14, |
15, 23, 16, 17, 43, 28, 29, 45, 30, 31, 47, —
32, 33; iN 56, 57, 83, 60, 61, %
Gauls, 11
Gawra, 12, 8, 9, 18, 12, 13, 19, 124, 125,08
35 n, 87, 24, 37, 48, 32, 33.
Gealcheann, 57 n.
Gillaagamnan, XXXI.-XXxXiil.
Gillabride, xxxi.-xxxili.
Gilliecallum Mac an Ollave, 50, 34, 35, 95,
70, 71, 148, 112, 113.
Glassrananseir, 16, 12, 13.
Glass, 16, 12, 13.
Glenabaltan, 11, 8, 9.
Glen a Cuaich, 77, 54, 55.
Glen Dochart, 129 n.
Glenelg, Ixxx.
Glen Frenich, 76, 54, 55.
Glengarry, 145, 110, I11.
Glen Lochy, 129 n.
Glen Lyon, i., 130, 98, 99.
Glen Nevis, 31 n.
Glenroy, 1xxxi.
Glenshee, Ixxxi., 30, 20, 21, 3i n, 34.
Glenstrae, 114 n, 128 n, 131, 100,
137 7.
Glenstroil, 16, 12, 13. pe,
Glenurchy, 107 nm, 114”, 129”, 141, 108, ©
109, 155 n.
Golnor, 134, 102, 103.
Gormlay, 72, 50, 51, 118, 90, 91. ry
eae daughter of Flann, 100, 74, 15) yy
101,
Gory, 71, 90, 5%.
Gow, 15, 12, 13.
Gulbin, 31 7, 34 n.
Grahams of Balgowan, xlviii.
Grainne, 34 n, 87, 64, 65, 88.
Grammar of the Scotch Gaelic, xiv.
Grant, 139, 106, 107.
Grecian Gael, 129, 98, 99. *
Greece, 91, 66, 67, 102, 76, 77, 134, 102,
103. ae
INDEX.
Greece, King of, 11 n.
Gregor, 129, 98, 99.
- Hepripes, 145 n.
Hercules, 55 n, 109 n.
Hesperides, 55 7.
Highland Society of London, vi., 25 n.
Highland Society of Scotland, vi., x.
- Highlands of Scotland, original races of, xxii. ;
various periods of their literary history,
XXXViii. :
Hill, Rev. Thomas, of Cooreclure, Ixii.
Historical sketches of the original races of
Ireland and the Scotch Highlands, and
the dialects of their language, xxii.,
et seq.
Holland, 135 n.
Home, Mr. John, xlviii.
Hourn, 145, 110, 111.
Hugh, 9, 6,7, 15, 12, 13.
I, 144, 110, 111.
Tan Lom, 43 n.
Inch Ald Art, 94, 70, 71.
Inche Gall, 145, 110, 111.
India, 36.
Innes, Mr. Cosmo, 7 n.
Innis, 150 n.
Innis Aingin, 135, 102, 103.
Innisfail, 61, 42, 43, 151, 116, 117.
Insegall, xxxiii.
Inverlochy, 43 n.
Inverness, 95, 70, 71.
lolunn, 78, 56, 57.
Iona, xxiv., 144; monastery of, xxv., xliv.
Iona Club, 99 .
lorruaidh, 21 ».
Ireland, 17, 12, 13, 21”, 28 n, 30, 36,
37 n, 51 n, 53 n.
Treland and Highlands of Scotland, the two
original races of, xxii.; records of tradi-
tionary history, xxiii., et seq.; sketch of
_ their ancient political connexion and liter-
ary influence, xxxiv.-xxxvii.
Trish dialects, viii., xii.; comparison with the
Scotch, xiv., xv.; differences in, in the
north and the south, xxv.
Trish sennachies, xxxvi.
Asla, xxiv., 99, 74, 75, 124, 94, 95, 127, 96,
97-
” Islay, 21 x.
’ Isle of Muck, 31 n.
’ Isles, kingdom of the, sketch of, xxxi.-xxxv.
| Ith, lxxii., 87 n.
_ Jamieson, Dr., xxii.
Jocelyn, xliv.
159
John of Knoydart, 99, 72, 73.
Johnson, Dr. Samuel, hii., liti., lix.
John the Grizzled, ii., iii., vi.
Kets, xxx.
Kennedy, Duncan, lii., liii.
Kerkal, 11, 8, 9.
Kildare, county of, 8 n.
Kilfinan, 145 n.
Killichranky, i.
King James the First, 95 n.
Kintail, 77, 54, 55.
Kirke, Rev. Robert, xl., Ixxx.
Knapdale, 127 m, 151, 116, 117.
Knox, John, xxxviii.
Knoydart, 99, 72, 73.
Kyle Aca, 153, 116, 117.
Laine, Malcolm, lix.
Lamacha, 112, 84, 85, 113, 86, 87.
Lambarde, xiii.
Language, Gaelic; similarity between the
Irish, Manx, and Scotch Gaelic dialects,
xli.; vocabularies and grammars, xiii.,
xiv.; first printed books, xxxviii.-xli.
Languages, how influenced by etymology
and sound, xviii.; origin of dialects, xix. ;
differences as spoken and written, xxviii.,
XX1X., XXXViii.
Laoghar, 60, 40, 41.
Lecan, Book of, xxvii.
Legendary poems and tales, remarks on the
stages through which they passed, and
the classes into which they are divisible,
]xxxii.-xc.
Leinster, 12 n, 61, 42, 43, 62 n.
Lennox, 93, 68, 69.
Leny Leirg, 76, 54, 55+
Lewis, island of, xxxiv., 127, 96, 97, 146,
252, 332. :
Lismore, Dean of (Sir James Macgregor),
notices of his family, ii.-iv.; remarks on
his ms. collection of Gaelic poetry, v.-xi.,
xlvi., xlvii.; its great value, as regards
the language, xlvi.
Literature, books first printed in Gaelic,
XXXViili.-xli.
Literary History of the Highlands, influences
exercised on, xlii. ; division into various
periods, xliii.-xlvi.
Livingstone, 148 n.
Lochaber, 20 n, 31, 94, 70, 71.
Lochlan, xxxii., Ixxv.
Lochlin, 10, 8, 9, 11, 8, 9, 91, 66, 67.
Loch Awe, 137 », 148, 108, 109.
Loch Broom, xxxii., xxxiv.
Loch Etive, 120 , 122 n.
160
Loch Foyle, 62 n.
Loch Fraoch, 54 n.
Loch Hourn, 99 n.
Loch Inch, 107, 80, 81.
Loch Lochy, 145 x.
Loch Lomond, 134 x.
Loch Luine, xxiv.
Loch Mai, 54 n, 54.
Loch Ness, 31 n.
Loch Swilly, 89 2.
Loch Sween, 153 n.
Loch Tay, i., 139 n.
Loch Venachar, 95, 70, 71.
Lomond, 134, 102, 103.
Lords of the Isles, race of, xxxi., 96n, 149;
influence of their rule on the language
and population of the Highlands, xxx1.-
xxxv.; extinction of their kingdom, xxxv.,
XXXVili.
Lords of Lorn, xxxiii.
Lorn, 120, 137, 155”; Lords of, xxxiii.
Luno’s son, Mac an Loinn, 2, 1, 2.
Luthy, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13.
Lyon, river, i.
M‘Atpry, Kenneth, 138 x.
M‘Alpine’s Gaelic Dictionary, xiii.
Macbheatha (the Betons), xxxvi.
M‘Cabe, Duncan, 119, 90, 91.
M‘Cailein, Duncan, 116, 88, 89.
M‘Calman, 146, 112, 113.
MacChailein, 126, 94, 95, 132, 100, 101,
147 n.
MacConn, 70, 50, 51.
M‘Corquodale, Eatric, 126, 96, 97.
’ Mac Cuilenan, 100, 74, 75.
M‘Donald, Mr. Alexander, teacher, xiii.
M‘Donald, Ronald, 110 x.
MacDonalds, 79 n, 99 n.
Macdonell, John, 43 n.
M‘Donells, 145 n.
M‘Donells of Glengarry, 99 n.
Macdougall, Ailen Buidhe, xli.
Macdougall, Allan Dall, xli.
M‘Dougall Maoil, Duncan, 137, 104, 105.
M‘Dougall, Phelim, 102, 76, 77.
M‘Dougalls of Lorn, xxxiii., 108, 119, go,
QI, 122, 92, 93, 124, 137, 104, 105.
M‘Eachag, 140, 106, 107.
MacHElle, 78, 56, 57.
M‘Ere, 110, 82, 83, 139, 106, 107.
M‘Ewen M‘Eacharn, John, 121, 92, 93.
M‘Farlane, Mr. Robert, xiii.
M‘Farlane, Mr. P., xiii.
Macfarlane, Rev. Alex., of Kilninver, xl.
M‘Fergus, 59, 40, 41.
M‘Finn, 61, 42, 43.
INDEX.
MacGille glas, Dougall, 128, 98, 99.
M Gillindak, 141, ak 109. .
M‘Gregor, 50 ”, 112, 84, 85, 113, 86, 87,
114, 88, 89, 114 n, 128, 98, 99, 187 n, 141, _
108, 109, 142. See Lismore.
Macgregors of Fortingall, ii.-iv.
MacGurkich, Blind Arthur, 151, 116, 117.
M‘inally, 50 x.
M‘Intosh, Andrew, 106, 80, 81.
MacIntosh, 132, 100, 101, 134, 102, 103.
Macintyre, Duncan Ban, xli.
Macintyre, Rev. J., x.
M‘Intyre, the Bard, 107, 80, 81.
Maclvor, 132, 100, 101.
M ‘Kenzie, 99 n.
Mackenzie, Henry, liv.
M‘Kenzie, Mr. Lachlan, 2 n.
Maclachlan, Mr. Ewen, x.
M‘Lagan, Rev. James, li.
M‘Lamond, 1438, 108, 109.
MacLawe, Donald, iii.
Macleans, xxxvi.
M‘Leod, Roderick, 146 n.
M‘Leods of Lewis, 140, 106, 107, 146 n.
MacLir, 68, 46, 47.
M‘Luy, 48, 32, 33, 49, 75, 52, 53, 81, 58, 59,
85, 62, 63, 88, 64, 65.
MacMorn, 71, 50, 51, 80. 56, 57.
M‘Murrich, John, 109, 82, 83, 112, 84, 85.
M‘Nab, Finlay, 125, 94, 95, 148 n.
MacNee, 132, 100, 101.
M‘Neil, 126 , 132, 100, 101.
M‘Neil, Hector M‘Torquil, 127 n. 4
Mac O’Duine, 31, 20, 21, 32, 22, 23, 33, 34, ©
74, 50, 51. i
M‘Omie, Baron Ewin, 133, 102, 103.
M‘Phadrick, 129, 98, 99.
MacPhee, 132, 100, 101.
M‘Pherson, Duncan, 110, 82, 83. y
Macpherson, Mr. James, editor of Ossian, vi.,
xlviii.-]xiii.
Macpherson, Mr. Lachlan, |., Ivii.
MacRea, 74, 50, 51.
M‘Robert, 95 n. x
MacRonain, 39, 24 25, 39, 26, 27, 71, 50, ©
51, 86, 62, 63.
M‘Rorie, Allan, 30, 20, 21, 35, 24, 25, 48 7.
M‘Ross, 61, 42, 43.
M‘Ruarie, Allan, 144, 110, 111.
MacSween, 132, 100, 101, 153, 116, 117.
MacSweenys, 153, 116, 117.
M‘Vurichs, xxxvi., 109 2, 157 n.
Magh Lena, 78, 56, 57.
Mai, 54, 36, 37, 55, 38, 39, 56.
Maighinis, 72, 50, 51.
Malcom Kenmore, 139, 106, 107.
Malrube, St., 22 n.
INDEX.
Man, isle of, 133 n.
Man, Norwegian kingdom of, xxx.
_ Manadh, 59, 40, 41.
Manallan, 133, 102, 103.
Mannanan, 68, 46, 47. 133, 102, 103.
Manwoe Breck, 78, 56, 57:
Manx dialect, viii., xlii.; poems in, Ixxxiv.
Maoldomhnaich, 131 2, 133, 102, 103.
Maormors of Moray, XXXi., XXXiv.
Matheson, Mr., of Fernaig, xlii.
Maxwell, Mr. John Hall, vii.
Maye, 77, 54, 55.
_ Mayre borb, 20 n.
Meath, 26 2.
Menzies, Robert, of that ilk, iii.
Milesian races, Ixxvi , 134 2.
_ Milesius, xxxix., Ixxii.
Milidh of Spain, 134 n.
Modheadh, 21 n.
Monaree, 16, 12, 13.
Monastery of Tona, xxv.; destruction of, and
its results, xxix.
_ Montrose, 43 n.
Morar, 99 n.
_ Moray, province of, xxx. ; earldom of, xlv.
Morn, 12, 8, 9, 14, 10, 11, 23, 15, 16, 43 n,
44, "28, 29, 46, 32, 33, 71, 50, 51, 81, 58,
50, 85, 62, 63, 92, 68, 69.
Morrison, Captain Alex., 1., lvii.
Morvern, ‘Ixxx., 21 7.
Muckrey, 36.
Muin, 82, 60, 61, 85, 62, 63.
Muirn Munchain, 68, 46, 47.
Muirn, St., 7, 26, 68, 46, 47, 142, 108,
109.
Mull, xxiv., 21, 98, 72, 73, 127, 96, 97,
132 n., 133, 102, 103.
Miller, Professor Max, xx.
_ Munster, 35 n, 50 n, 91, 68, 69, 100 n.
Murdoch Albanach, 109 n, 157, 120, 121,
158, 120, 121, 159, 122, 123.
NENNIUS, XxvVii.
Nesae, flumen, Ixxxi.
Nevis, river, 31 n.
New Testament, first Gaelic translation, x].
Ni vic Cailein, Isabella, 155, 118, 119.
Nial, Glundubh, 100 n.
Nial Og, 127, 96, 97:
Nicolson, Bishop, xiii.
Nicolson of Scorrybreck, 17 n.
Northumberland, Anglic kingdom of, xxvii.
Norwegian kingdom of Man and the Isles,
its formation, xxix., xxx.
O’CarrBRE, 99, 72, 73.
O’Carril, a ‘minstrel, XXXVi.
161 |
O’Cathan, house of, xxxiv., xxxvi.
Ocha, battle of, xxiv., Ixy.
O’Cloan, 54, 36, 37.
O’Coffey, Aodh, XXxXvi.
O'Connor, 157 n.
O’Curry, Professor E., 1xii., Ixviit., ixxxvi. 5
62 n, 88 n, 91 n, 98 n, rage
O’Dalys, xxxvi.
O’Daly, Maclosa, xxxvi.
O’Driscoll, 58 n.
O’Duine, 30 Ns
O’Flaherty, 35n, 36 n, 101 n.
O’Grady, 8. H., 157 n.
O’Higgin, Giollacoluim, XXXVI.
Oirir a tuath, xxxiii., xxxiv.
Oirirgaidheal (Argathelia), xxxii.
Oirthir Ghaidheal, 135 n.
O’Kanes, 147 n.
Olave the Red, xxxiii.
O’Neills, xxxvi., 100 n.
O’Reilly, Edward, lix.
Orgill, 58, 40, 41.
Orgialla, kingdom of, xxiii.
Orla, 54, 36, 37.
Orthography of the Dean of Lismore’s MS.,
Vii.-x.
Oscar, 9, 6, 7, 15, 10, 11, 16, 12, 13,17, 19,
21, 14, 15, 23, 16, 17, 39, 26, 27, 40, 41,
42. 28, 29, 48, 32, 33, 49, 34, 35, 71, 50,
51, 72, 81, 58, 59, 82, 60, 61, 85, 62, 63,
86, 88, 64, 65.
Ossian, 1, 1, 2,3, 1, 2y 4; 4) 5) hoy 2Op ia
16; 32, £3, 17, 78; "19, 20, 14, 15, 26, 18,
19, 28, 39, 24, 25, 70, 50, 51, 71, 50, 51,
72, 81, 58, 59, 82, 60, 61, 84, 88, 64, 65,
95 n.
Ossian, poems of, question of their authenti-
city, vi. ; circumstances under which the
controversy arose, xlvii. ; historical sketch
of, xlviii.-lxiii.
Ossianic Society, lx., Ixxiv.
Owar, 11, 8, 9.
‘| Patsney, 149 n.
Patrick, St., see St. Patrick.
Persians, 50 n.
| Perthshire, 30, 31 n, 54 n.
Petrie, Ixx.
Philip, 111, 84, 85.
Picts, 31 7.
Popular poetry of the Highlands in the
spoken dialect, xli.
Port-na-minna, 9, 6. %
— Gaelic metrical versions of, XXXIX.,
Publications of Dublin Gaelic Societies, Ix.-
Ixii.
11
162
QuieRicH, 8 2.
Raon Fraoich, 94, 70, 71.
Rath Cruachan, 84, 62, 63.
Reeves, Dr., 37 n.
Reformation of 16th century, its influence on
the population and literature of the High-
lands, xxxviii.-xli.
Relig Oran, 144, 100, IOI.
Religious ‘literature of the Highlands,
XXXViii.-xli.
Revan, 85, 62, 63.
Robert, 104, “8, 79.
Robertson, Principal, xviii.
Ronan, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13.
Ros illirglass, 63, 44, 45.
Ross, earldom of, xxxiv.
Ross-shire, 22 n.
Ross, Thomas, his edition of the Psalter, xl.
Ross, W,, xii.
Roughbounds, the, Ixxx,
Roy, 20 n.
Royal Irish Academy, lix.
Rualeacht, 77, 54, 55.
Rury, 50, 34, 35, 51, 89, 64, 65.
Rustum, 50 x.
Ryno, 9, 6, 7, 15, 10, 11, 75, 54. 55, 85, 62,
63. .
Sasunn, 75, 54, 55-
Scandinavian pirates, xxix.
Scanlan, 98, 72, 73.
Schihallion, 30 2.
Schiehallion, 95, 70, 71.
Schleicher, xxi.
Sciath, 78, 56, 57.
Scoilean, 83, 60, 61.
Scotch Gaelic, vocabularies and grammar of,
xili., xiv. ; differences from the Irish, xiv. ;
districts in which it is most purely spoken,
XV. 5 remarks on its peculiarities, xvi -
“xviii.
Scotia, 36 7.
Scotland, 21, 30n, 33 n, 37 n, 49 n, 54n,
87 n, 134.
Scots, the race so called, xxii.,
See Cruithne.
Scott, Sir Walter, x.
Sean Dana, liii.
Sennachies, Irish, xxxvi.
Servanus, xlv.
Settlements of the Scots and Cruithne, xxv.
Ixiv.-Ixxvili.
Sgiath, 53, 36, 37.
Sith, Clar, 140, 106, 107.
bel 135 n.
Sheil, 145, 110, 111.
XXV., XXVi.
INDEX.
Siol Torcuil, 140 n.
Skail, 16, 12,1 Fy
Skye, xxxiv., lxxxi., 17, 51 n, 53 n, 140, —
153 n. by
Sleat, 51 n.
Sliabh Gael, 127, 96, 97.
Sliabh nam ban fionn, An.
Slieve Mis, 153, 116, 117.
Slieve Mun, 153, 116, 117.
Slochd muice, 31 n. _
Smail, 9, 6, 7, 12, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13, 82, 60, 61. —
Smith, Dr. J. , of Campbelltown, xl. viii, hint ol
3 n.
Socach, 15, 12, 13.
Society for Propagating Christian Knowl
ledge, xiii., xl.
Somarled, XXXi. ; XEXH,
Sorcha, 21 n, 22.
Sound, influence of, on language, xviii.
Spain, 75, 54, 55.
Spey, 107 x.
Srubh Brain, 89 n.
Stronmelochan, 128 n.
St. Andrews, 31 n.
St. Columba, xxv., xxx., 37 n, 144, 110, IIT. ~
St. Fillan, 8 n.
St. Kentigern, xliv., xlv. 5
St. Patrick, 3n, 4, 4 n, 5n, 6, 7m, 12, 8,9, 7
14, 10, 11, 18, 12, 13, 19, 28”; 76;,54mm
55, 85 n. .
St. Regulus, 31 n.
Stewarts of Athole, 95 n.
Stewart, Rev. Alexander, of Dingwall, xiv. |
Stewart, Dr., of Luss, x]. :
Stewart, John, 95, 70, 71.
Stewart, Rev. James, of Killin, xl.
Sutherland, Christina, 42 n.
Tap@ og, xxxvi. .
Taura, 19, 124, 125, 38, 24, 25, 63, 44, 45,
64, 65.
Tavar Vrie, 77, 54, 55.
Taylor, Gilchrist, 93, 68, 69.
Taymouth, iii., 115 n.
Teague, 110, 82, 83.
Teige, 26, 18, 19.
‘Temora, an epic poem, li.
Thurles, 77, 54, 55.
Tipperary, 4 n, 63 n.
Tobermory, 132 n.
Torgulbin, 30 n.
Torquil M‘Leod, 146 n.
Trenmore, 14, 10, 11, 40, 28, 29.
Trosachs, 31 n.
Tuatha de Dannan,
]xxxvi.
Tuathal teachtmhar, Ixxii.
the, xxxix., Ixxy
INDEX.
Tuber na Fein, Ixxx.
-Tullichmullin, i., v. :
Tummell, 95, 70, 71.
Tyree, 21 n.
_ Uaprecs, 78, 56, 57.
_ Uisneach, children of, Ixxxi., Ixxxvi.,
Ixxxvii.
: ere 12 n, 30 we 35 n, 50, 34, } 3 51; 52 n,
90, 66 , 67, 153 2
VARIATIONS in Irish dialects, xxv.
Ventry harbour, Ixxxii., 7 2, 11, 8, 9.
Vitrified forts, Ixxxi.
163
Vocabularies of Scotch Gaelic, xiii.
Vikings or sea-robbers, xxix.
Wats, 8 n, 49 x.
Welsh, 31m, 129 n.
Welsh’ dialects, viii., xlii.
Wilde, Dr , 62 ».
Wilson, Dr. D., 72.
Whitebacks, 80, 56, 57.
Youne, Dr., Bishop of Clonfert, Iviii.
Zouras, 50 n.
EDINBURGH * T. CONSTABLE,
PRINTER TO THE QUEEN, AND TO THE UNIVERSITY.
ERRATA.
ENGLISH. . : i
Page 3, line 10, for ‘‘ No crushing bones,” read “‘ No giving gold.”
»» 5 4, 18, for “ Coat of mail of brightest steel,” read ‘a javelin of bright
sharp point.”
» 10, ,, 2, for ‘‘to whom,” etc., read “whose breast was of the purest
white.”
», 12, ,, 27, for “There never was,” etc., read ‘‘ The end of our days we had
not reached.”’
» 16, ,, 14, for “ Deach Fichid’s son,” read ‘ The thirty sons.”
» 17, ,, 7, for “is ours,’ read ‘I may read.”
» 18, ,, 11, for “Though little room,” etc., read “Though little the hum-
ming fly, not even a sunbeam.”
» 21, ,, 8, for “Come,” etc., read “She came to,” etc.
» 26, ,, 4, for “A braver man,” read ‘‘a longer week.”
» 26, ,,. 7, for “fortune,” read ‘ patron.”
» 26, ,, 18, for “‘ Despised,” etc., read ‘‘ A rider bold.”’
se Ae. Me delete “or the betrothed.”
» 59, 4, 4, for “Said,” read “ Erc.”’
», 104, ,, 5, for “A crown,” etc., read “a sickle without a crop.”
“
SF eee ee er ee
as
—_— a i Le a ee es
GAELIC.
Page 3, line 13, for “ gun phronnadh cnaimh,” read “ gun bhronnadh credh~”
» 7 9» 84, for “dhiubh a breith a gheill,’”’ read “ fa’n braigh a ghile.”
’
» 13, x 17, for “is leinn,” read “a leughainn.”
ay 4B, -9) - 5, jor “Saar,” read “zad.”
» 19, 3, 95, for “saoi bu gheire,” read ‘sé a b’ fhaide.”’
» 19, », 7, for ‘‘M’eud,” read ‘ M’ cide.”
» 19, 5 9, for “mairg,” read “ marcaich.”
» 25, 5, 82, for ‘ fath,” read “Fatha;” for “Cuinn,” read ‘ Con.”
» 25, 9, 35, for “oir,” read “ oirbh ;” for “a,” read “ ars’.”’
At,’ 5 18; Jor “ate” reed “Ewe-
» 57) + 18, for “Cao,” read “Caol.”
59, » 19, for ‘ Faicibh,” read ** faicinn.”
» 79: » 8, for “Coroin,” read “ corran.”’
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literature of his country, and doubtless will have many followers in a
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16 EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS,
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